Background Information: Some feel studying military history is a waste of time because history is written from personal viewpoints which may be skewed from reality. Others feel studying military history is essential because understanding the culture and past battles of one's opponents as well as one's own military will facilitate the development of military strategies. Thesis or Argumentative Statement: Although some modern scholars' ideologies and philosophies of military warfare is thwarted by personal perspective and antiquated tactics, studying military history, our own and other nations', assists with understanding culture and the reasons people do what they do. Therefore, understanding the nature of war, its causes, and details of how peace treaties are developed will help our leaders make valuable decisions on and off the battlefield and hopefully help with conflict resolution before events escalate to war. Abstract: Some feel studying military history is essential to learn from both successes and failures. Others feel studying military history is not essential because we are not fighting the wars of our ancestors and besides, history is written by the victors and skewed by personal views and views of those with personal agendas. However, studying the broad realm of history with an open mind and looking at the various angles can help one make an educated guess as to what moves and countermoves may be expected from one's opponent in developing military strategies. Underestimating opponents is foolish and struggling to re-invent the wheel is a waste of valuable time and assets that can produce devastating outcomes.

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