Seminars Presented by Dan and/or Mark McDonagh
Learn about regional history; the impact of the Iran-Iraq war on relations between Iraq and its neighbors; the background to Saddam's decision to seize Kuwait; the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait; the formation of the coalition, and what it took to hold it together; Baghdad's attempt to undermine the coalition through political warfare; and the coalition's blockade of Iraq.
Gulf War I:
Learn about the platforms, weapons and operational art of the air war; the "robot war" of TLAMs, Scuds, ATACMS and Patriots; Saddam's attempt to create a "mini-Tet" at the Battle of Khafji; and the "mailed fist rising from the sea" - naval and littoral warfare.
Learn about the ground war, and how its actual execution differed from pre-war planning; the orders of battle, organization and weapons of all the combatants; "Mahan in the Desert"; the allies; the armistice; the lessons learned; and repercussions from the war.
A submarine officer and anti-submarine officer square off in this brisk discussion of doctrine, platforms, sensors, weapons and tactics. These veteran tacticians come from "opposite corners of the ring" and always provide a fascinating seminar.
A quick but comprehensive look at the evolution of war gaming, from Asian chess-like games, through the Prussians' Kriegsspiel to contemporary application; the joys and tragedies of battle damage assessment; and try to determine whether the computer is war gaming's friend or foe.
Sun Tzu, Clauswitz, Mahan, Mackinder and Douhet. Tired of knowing the names but only one or two of the things they said? This lecture teaches you more, and offers historical examples. Inspired by the Naval War College's 14 week-long "Strategy and Policy" course, but compressed to less than two hours. (Hang on.)
Since the collapse of the Warsaw Pact Eastern Europe officers have been eager to "tell all" about their former masters in the Kremlin. This lecture collects and collates myriad accounts from open sources on how the Soviets actually intended to fight if it came down to "the Big One" between the Pact and NATO. (It would have been worse than you ever imagined.)
A look at the participants, the aircraft they flew, the airpower doctrines they followed, the campaigns they fought, and the outcomes of the four wars over and around Israel. Also, what the Arabs, the Israelis (and others...) have learned from them.
A synopsis of the multi-year, deliberate plan coordinated on all the fronts of Europe which led Hitler to make fatal strategic miscalculations as to the Allies intentions. Codes and ciphers; spies and saboteurs; clairvoyants, camouflage and commandos. Part I deals with the naval war, North Africa, the Mediterranean, Southern Europe, the Balkans, Scandinavia and raiding operations. Stands separately from Part II.
The conclusion of the series. Focuses on deceiving Hitler about operations against France and the plan to smash through Rommel's "Atlantic Wall" at Normandy. More about codes and ciphers; spies and saboteurs; clairvoyants, camouflage and commandos. You don't need to have heard Part I to appreciate it.
Check your convention program guide for specific times and locations! Some or all of these talks may be offered at a convention near you.
Check our upcoming Schedule.
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