Warfighting

MCDP 1

19 Sep 2017

Corporal Kenny Tsao

 United States Marine Corps

Professional Reading Program

1. In as few words as possible, what is the book about?

The perspective on warfare that Marines should adopt.

2. What made you want to read it?

As a recommended reading material for all MOSs by the Commandant, I
was interested to see how it could be relatable to more than just 03xxs.

3. Did it live up to your expectations? Why? Why not?

Since the U.S. Marine Corps is the best war fighting force in the
world, it was no surprise that the reading was impressive and thought-
provoking.

4. Did you learn anything new? If so what?

The nature of war and warfighting has been talked about since Recruit
Training. It is difficult to find something new to be learned from re-reading
Warfighting; rather, re-reading the book simply reminds one of the principles
of warfighting encourages the considering of how those principles may to
relevant to wherever a Marine may be in his/her career.

5. Which part of the book did you find most interesting?

Chapter 2, The Theory of War was the most interesting because it was
the most relatable.

6. Did this book inspire you to want to do more research on the subject?
Why? Why Not?
The book caused me to consider the implications of the principles of
Warfighting as they relate to being a leader, something which I am constantly
trying to improve through further study.

7. Would you recommend it to a friend or another Marine? Why? Why not?

I would recommend this book to Marines who wish to put their everyday
operations into perspective.

8. Does the subject of the book affect your life? If so, how? If not, why
not?
As the mission of the U.S. Marine Corps is primarily to fight and win
battles, anything I do must be in support of that. Therefore, understanding
the principles of warfighting would help me better perform my duties.

9. What evidence does the author use to support their ideas?

The ideas are based on the philosophies of General Gray, his
experiences, and the proven success of Marines in history.

10. Are the issues raised in the book controversial? Why?

War will always be controversial.

11. Does the author offer solutions to the problems raised in the book? How
probable is their success? Can you think of additional solutions?
The book offers perspectives with which one can use to solve problems,
since every situation will have unique problems and cannot all be addressed
in this book. For example, Because we can never eliminate uncertainty, we
must learn to fight effectively despite it.

12. If you were to talk with the author, what would you ask him or her?
Since twenty years have passed since MCDP 1 was published, is there
anything relevant to these times that could be added if there were to be a
new publication?

13. Have you read the authors other books? Can you discern a similarity (in
theme, writing style, structure, etc.) between them, or are they completely
different?
I have not read anything else by General Gray, although I have read
other Marine Corps publications. Marine Corps publications tend to have a
rather straightforward style of writing.

14. After reading this book, have your views on the subject changed? Why?
Why not?
My views of war and warfighting have not really changed, but I am
excited to see how I can apply the principles of warfighting to this point of
my life.

15. Why should Marines read this book?

Marines who have a desire to gain a perspective on the philosophies
behind the mission of the Marine Corps should read this book.

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