The conduct of any military enterprise is conditioned by the character of the area of operations - the military operating environment. The book focuses on the synergy between georgraphy and military operations wherever they occur.

An examination of geography's critical effects on battles throughout the ages

This book offers a fresh approach to the study of Military Geography! Palka and Galgano truly understand the impact of geographic information on the conduct of military operations! Moreover, they clearly appreciate the changing nature of conflict and as a result have addressed the effect of geographic conditions across the full spectrum of military operations. From peacekeeping to small scale contingencies to all out war, they precisely address the range of geographic challenges encountered by military commanders in the past and the anticipated challenges of the future. The vignettes address key issues that the military leader must understand to make timely and accurate decisions. Overall, this book is essential reading for the military leader and a must add to his professional library. Although this is a great military book, the geographic community and public in general would most certainly enjoy looking at classic military operations through a geographic lens. Additionally, all will benefit from the information presented as the traditional lines between peace and war continue to blur.

Military geography, one of several subsets within those broad confines, concentrates on the influence of physical and cultural environments over political-military policies, plans, programs, and combat/support operations of all types in global, regional, and local contexts. Key factors displayed in table 1 directly (sometimes decisively) affect the full range of military activities: strategies, tactics, and doctrines; command, control, and organizational structures; the optimum mix of land, sea, air, and space forces; intelligence collection; targeting; research and development; the procurement and allocation of weapons, equipment, and clothing; plus supply, maintenance, construction, medical support, education, and training.

A selection of papers on a broad range of military topics ranging from the strategic perspective, through analyses of historical battles at the operational and tactical levels, to the use of advanced technologies applied to present-day military problems.