Theory to Strategy: War Insight for the Strategic Soldier

Improvements in technology worldwide have amplified the impact strategic lieutenants and strategic corporals have on strategic matters. These Strategic Soldiers and their respective leaders must not only be aware of their potential influence in a war environment, they must learn how to harness this ability in support of their nation's war strategy. For this reason, investing in war theory and strategy education for potential Strategic Soldiers is imperative for a 21st century military. This monograph uses the theories of Carl Von Clausewitz, Sir Robert Thompson, and Mao Tse-tung to illustrate how war theories converted into cognitive mental models can be effective tools for today?s Strategic Soldiers. The paper also attempts to show that understanding the uses of theory-to-strategy cognitive models facilitates a better understanding of the nature of a current war, helps anticipate adversary actions, and allows better nesting across the levels of war. This monograph provides an example of how to convert theories into something practical for planners and leaders at all levels.