This book is one of the true classics in modern tactical science and is part of the curriculum for nearly every contemporary course in western military science. Captain Swinton, later Major General Swinton, who is considered one of the most far-sighted officers the British army has ever produced, wrote the book shortly after his experiences in the Boer War. The book is short (about 75 pages), written in story form, and uses satire. For example, a “duffer” is a British term for an incompetent or stupid person, and a “drift” is a shallow ford across a river or stream. The main character, Lt. Backsight Foresight, has been given the responsibility for defending Duffer’s Drift “at all costs.” Through a series of dreams, Lt. Foresight (or BF to his friends) mentally prepares for the battle and when he awakes, gains fresh insight into what will be required. Besides being an easy read with an interesting and humorous story line, the lessons learned are summarized at the end of each chapter. This book is available free, in its entirety, by downloading or reading on-line at numerous Internet sites. Four copies have also been placed in the SEB Technical Library.
Recommended by Sid Heal in Episodes 1 & 2