This Kind of War

T.R. Fehrenbach's This Kind of War chronicles the Korean War through military, political, and personal perspectives. The book covers the conflict from its origins through the campaigns and battles that defined the war. The narrative follows American forces as they confront the realities of modern warfare in Korea's challenging terrain. Fehrenbach incorporates accounts from soldiers, commanders, and civilians while examining the strategic decisions that shaped the conflict's course. The text details the transformation of U.S. occupation troops into combat forces, along with the broader geopolitical tensions between communist and Western powers. Military operations are presented with attention to tactical elements and human factors. The book stands as a meditation on the nature of limited warfare in the nuclear age and the cultural disconnect between civilian society and military requirements. Its insights into military preparedness and the relationship between policy and combat remain relevant to modern military discourse.

Readers value this as a detailed account of the Korean War that focuses on the ground-level experience of soldiers. Many note its unvarnished portrayal of military unpreparedness and political missteps. Readers appreciate: - Clear explanations of military tactics and strategy - Personal stories and firsthand accounts - Critical analysis of leadership decisions - Historical context of US-Korea relations Common criticisms: - Dated political views and language from 1960s - Dense military terminology - Critical tone toward civilian leadership - Some factual errors in unit designations Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (900+ ratings) Representative review: "Fehrenbach doesn't pull punches about American military shortcomings but also shows how units adapted and learned. The tactical details can be overwhelming but the human elements make it worthwhile." - Goodreads reviewer Many military readers note it remains required reading at service academies and war colleges.

The Coldest Winter by David Halberstam The Korean War unfolds through first-hand accounts of soldiers, commanders, and civilians while examining the political decisions that shaped the conflict.

The Last Stand of Fox Company by Bob Drury, Tom Clavin Marines at Chosin Reservoir fight against overwhelming Chinese forces in a pivotal Korean War battle told through survivor accounts and military records.

On Desperate Ground by Hampton Sides The Marine Corps' retreat from the Chosin Reservoir demonstrates the human experience of warfare through detailed accounts of survival and military strategy.

The Korean War by Max Hastings Combat operations and strategic decisions during the Korean conflict are revealed through military documents and interviews with veterans from all sides.

East of Chosin by Roy E. Appleman The destruction of an American task force on the eastern side of Chosin Reservoir illuminates the challenges of combat readiness and military leadership in Korea.

📚 T.R. Fehrenbach served as an officer in the Korean War—the very conflict he wrote about—giving him firsthand experience of the events detailed in his book. 🎖️ The book's title comes from a quote by General Matthew Ridgway: "This is the kind of war we must expect to fight in the future... against the faceless, nameless hordes..." 📖 Published in 1963, the book remains required reading for U.S. Marine Corps officers and is frequently included in military school curricula. 🗺️ When the Iraq War began in 2003, many military commanders referenced this book's lessons about limited warfare and civilian-military relations. 📜 The book was originally published under the title "This Kind of War: A Study in Unpreparedness" before being shortened in later editions.