Is Sun Tzu's 'Art of War' still viable if applied in today's operation theaters?

Answer 1

Very much so. As a matter of fact, it's probably more important than ever. When I was a Company Commander, I made sure my Platoon leaders read and understood the book. I have recently picked it back up and use it along with "Learning to Eat Soup with a Knife" to gain a better understanding of how to use kinetic and non-kinetic warfare in an insurgency.

Sun Tzu and Mao Tse Tung are good references when learning about assymetrical warfare.

Answer 2

Having studied the book for more than 2 years. I believe that Sun Zi Art of War is still viable in today's operation. Those that might not be able to apply in today's operation theatres would be those about terrains, but if you are able to turn the angle of view, chapters about terrain would be useful if you have to be behind enemy lines where the only transportation is foot.

In Sun Zi Art of War, there are many lessons about leadership, intelligence and tactics that one can use. For instance, the seven areas that Sun Zi advocate in Chapter 1, if you refer it to modern warfare, more or less you can figure out why one side won or lost. For those that need more information on the seven areas can refer to http://www.chinese-wiki.com/Sub-Areas_of_Assessment-Sun_Zi.

Some lessons on leadership are found on Chapter 8, Chapter 10 and Chapter 3 are useful in today's operation theaters as well.

So yes, I still think that it is viable in today's operation theaters but of course with improved technology, some of the things that Sun Zi Art of War mentioned may be "less viable" compare to his time during the Spring Autumn period.

Answer 3

Just to add a vote: You betcha!
Sun Tzu was a master strategist and tactician because he understood human psychology intuitively. He knew what would make the opponent make a mistake.
This is not to say that it is a blueprint for victory. Some of the tactics are designed to conquer walled cities, for instance. But the principles can be applied today.

Answer 4

Yes the ideas of Sun Tzu, Von Clausewitz, Jomini and Mao are still viable today because they are based on sound ideas and observed actions and reactions. If it is good nothing gets old or unusable.

Answer 5

indeed it is, i was a platoon sgt in the US army cavalry ( hence my logon name) for 16 years and i read it and applied the tenets in it for opeartains, it is required reading at westpoint and the other military acadamies and i would suppose it is in russian and other prominent countries military acadamies as well.. sun tzu wrote from experience and his work is very tert and concise. clausewitzs on war is also very good

Answer 6

Aren't the terrorists using his very tactics now in Iraq and Afghanistan?

Answer 7

Absolutely....it is sitll required reading in strategic training.