Let me not then die ingloriously: Homer, Afghanistan and leadership

Abstract

The neglect of studying Homer has resulted in a deficiency in the formal training and leadership of military commanders. As a military we focus our attention on theory, maneuver or tactics. Leadership is frequently discussed also; however, we forego any instruction on The Iliad and The Odyssey while these texts represent a brilliant source of information with which to groom military leaders. While tactics and arms change throughout history, what remains consistent from the times of Ancient Greece to our current period is the human condition. The effects of combat in all its forms have not changed since Achilles took the battlefield. Yet we neglect Homer because he offers no strategic or tactical advantage. As military leaders we have sacrificed the opportunity for a more thorough understanding of our troops and their struggles so that we can dream of our own Cannae. We would be better served by reading Homer to gain knowledge of the troops of we lead.