the bitterness of ideological and religious rivalries—are allnmoving away from stability and peace. In such an environment,nself-sustaining national power is critical.nAnother element of instability is the technological advancenin weaponry. Human nature may hold constant overnthe centuries, but weapons and their modes of employmentnchange constantly (though at different rates in differentneras). Indeed, the advantages that innovations in equipment,ntactics, or strategy can confer provide strong incentivesnto those seeking expansion—and thus must provokenequally dynamic responses from those who wish to resistnsuch expansion. It is an appreciation for this process ofnchange more than the details of how a long-bow penetratednplate armor that the general student of military historynshould acquire. By the same token, it is the combination ofnfactors such as speed, firepower, shock, and morale thatnprovide the basis for comparing Genghis Khan’s horsearchersnwith General Guderian’s panzers despite the centuriesnbetween.nThese operational concepts, along with logistics, recruitmentnand training, geography, intelligence, and communications,nprovide the basis for the “principles of war,” a bodynof knowledge drawn from history. The classic exponents ofnstrategic thought—Vegetius, Machiavelli, Sun Tzu, Saxe,nGuibert, Jomini, Glausewitz, Fuller, and Liddell-Hart—nall had personal experience in war and statecraft. America’snmost influential and famous historian, Alfred ThayernMahan, wrote The Influence ofSeapower Upon History as anMasksnby Rudolph SchirmernThe real image is only that of course—nAn image—and the rest is camouflage:nMe in the morning, you at noon, revealednIn pictures, all erased by suppertime.nDehberate? The question begs discourse.nThe mask inherent, or the mask assumed?nWho are we anyhow? Who chose the role?nWho ran for cover when our selves arrived,nSaying, “How dare you have usurped the field?”nAnd who—now comes the question that oflFends-nStood permanently at the cottage door.nPortraying Patience on a monument.nWhile all the time so restiess, ill at ease,nA malcontent in genial disguise?nNavy captain. The Pentagon makes extensive use of militarynhistory to refine its doctrines, and military history hasnfigured prominently in the debates surrounding the work ofnthe military reform movement. But in a democracy, morenthan just the defense professionals need an understanding ofnthe basic concepts. The elder Field Marshal MoltkenOpening the American mind.nWe’ve been doing itnfor 16 years.nOur key?nRespect.nRespect for reason. For civilized discourse. For ourntradition and its greatest works. For the Catholic Faith.nAnd from beginning to end, we respect the student.nThat’s why we have small seminars. That’s why wenstart with the student’s opinions and demand hisnreasons. That’s why we follow a coherent and challengingncurriculum that asks him to study the best.nNo one thinks that Plato and Kant, Dante and Einstein,nare easy authors. Many think they are too toughnfor today’s American student. Not us. We respect thenstudent, the family that nurtured him.. .and the truthnthat opens his mind.nAre you that student.. .or concerned about him?nM fnJi^.n, ^nCome spend some time with us.nIt’s an education.nFor information or to arrange a visit, CALL TOLLnFREE: 1-800-634-9797. From Canada, call collect:n(805) 525-4417.nOr write: Thomas Aquinas CollegenBox 106n10000 North Ojai RoadnSanta Paula, CA 93060nThomas J, Susanka Michael F. McLeannDirector of Admissions Vice President for DevelopmentnFinancial aid program • Bachelor of Arts degree • CoeducationalnFully accredited. Western Association of Schools & CollegesnnnNOVEMBER 1987 125n