The Human Factor

Ardant du Picq, Charles. Études sur le combat: combat antique et combat moderne. Paris, Éditions Champ Libre, 1978. Available in English.

The author argues that moral factors, such as élan, can outweigh the physical power on the battlefield. This work had a significant influence on French doctrine and training during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Burrell, Brian. Damn the Torpedoes: Fighting Words, Rallying Cries, and the Hidden History of Warfare. New York, McGraw‑Hill, 1999.

The author draws upon Charles Ardant du Picq, S. L. A. Marshall and Hans Delbrück’s findings to provide an excellent discussion on the performance of soldiers under fire.

Marshall, S.L.A.  Men Against Fire: The Problem of Battle Command in Future War.  Gloucester, MA: Peter Smith, 1978.

First published in 1947, this book highlights General Marshall's perception of soldiers in combat based on his own experiences in two world wars and on extensive interviews of combat troops.  Subject to great debate since its publication, this book influenced American training methods for a generation.