As the 40th anniversary of Parameters drew near, its staff considered how to recognize four decades of contribution to the intellectual mission of the Army War College and, how to capture the essence of the entire body of work'
They weighed a plan to republish 10 manuscripts that had received the greatest attention. Through the process of reviewing archives and consulting notes of former editors, the list grew to 17 articles of top reader appreciation.
"Everyone associated with the project gained a new appreciation for the intellectual investment and sense of service demonstrated by the authors," wrote retired Col. Robert H. Taylor, editor, in the special edition.
"Parameters has created a valued forum for its readers from within the senior defense community, business, academe, and the media, said Maj. Gen. Gregg Martin, USAWC Commandant.
When the college's professional journal was established in 1971, then-commandant Maj. Gen. George Eckhardt wrote that Parameters would gather "the results of the best thought of the Army."
"Most substantive issues involved in national security are politico-military in character," wrote Eckhardt. "Therefore, in addition to their specialized military knowledge, concerned and responsible members of the Armed Forces must possess a deep understanding of the goals, the power, and the policies of the United States, as well as those of allies, neutrals, or potential enemies.
For 40 years, Parameters helped advance total understanding for a dedicated readership. Subscribers include almost 18 thousand defense intellectuals, academics, and senior military and defense officials. Another thousand subscriptions go to libraries, educational establishments, US embassies and attaches. Many more find their way to the online edition.
"For 40 years, it's been recognized as a significant resource for contemporary issues and contending ideas," he said. "As the Army War College's primary means of continuing education for its graduates, Parameters is a key component of our mission to develop, inspire and serve strategic leaders.
For the next 40 years, we commit to providing Wisdom and Strength for the future, said Martin, 'not to promote war, but to preserve peace.'
The Parameters Editorial Board includes Col. Murray R. Clark; Dr. Martin L. Cook; Dr. Conrad C. Crane; Col. Mark J. Eshelman; retired Col. Leonard J. Fullenkamp; retired Lt. Col. James O. Kievit; Dr. George E. Reed; retired Col. John F. Troxell.
The seventeen articles selected for the 40thanniversary edition of Parameters are --
(Stories can be found at http://www.carlisle.army.mil/usawc/Parameters/ )
Leadership- General of the Army Omar N. Bradley Leadership involves a constant interplay between the leader and the led.
Generalship- Barbara W. Tuchman How does the role of Army leadership change when it become an instrument of state policy'
The All-Volunteer Military: calling, Profession, or Occupation'-Charles C. Moskos Jr. Three models of the emerging military are presented form a sociological perspective
Vietnam Postmortem: A Senseless Strategy- John M. Collins Analysis of how the US lost a won war by relying on physical strength and tactics instead of strategy
Development of a Coherent American Strategy- Andrew J. Goodpaster Is our nation willing and able to fashion and maintain security and a stable peace'
Lesson of History and Lessons of Vietnam-David H. Petraeus A discussion on how the lessons of historical conflicts such as Vietnam may be used to teach but must also be used with discretion and analysis
Soldiers, Scholars and the Media- Sam C. Sarkesian Why is there a distance between the media elite and the military profession'
For the Joint Specialist: Five Steep Hills to Climb-William E. DePuy Opportunities are offered to improve innovation for the joint specialist
What's the Matter with being a Strategist' - John R. Galvin The issue of building and becoming a strategist in uniform is reviewed
Eisenhower's Generalship - Stephen E. Ambrose General Eisenhower exercised leadership and learned lessons from mistakes
Deterrence Resurrected: Revisiting Some Fundamentals-Colin S. Gray A commentary to help people think about deterrence and associated arguments
The Origins of the American Military Coup of 2012 - Charles S. Dunlap Jr. This article is an imaginary trip to a future America where the Army's mission has dramatically changed
Constant Conflict- Ralph Peters A prescient article about a clash of cultures and information warfare fought with infantry in a new American century
Military Leadership into the 21st Century: Another "Bridge Too Far'" - Walter F. Ulmer Jr How can the US armed forces sustain excellence when Soldiers are deployed in a wide range of activates from fighting fires to operating medical clinics'
Caution: Children at war - P.W. Singer What happens if US forces are challenged in future interventions and peacekeeping operations by child soldiers'
Don't Ask, Don't Tell: Is the Gay Ban Based on Military Necessity' - Aaron Belkin An examination of four cases of foreign experiences in lifting bans on homosexual personnel
Reflections on leadership - Robert Gates Three principles of war for military leaders to follow when meeting challenges in the years ahead
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