Composite Warfare

Learning Hub

Foundational Core

Composite WarfareLearning Hub

Master military strategy and ground force operations in Sub-Saharan Africa through 6 interactive learning experiences.

Based on Composite Warfare: The Conduct of Successful Ground Force Operations in Africa by Eeben Barlow

Podcast Episodes

20-minute deep dives with military strategists exploring real-world SSA applications

Mind Maps

Hierarchical visualizations of concepts, principles, and practical use cases

Mastery Quizzes

15 questions per chapter with detailed rationales and scenario-based case studies

Chapters

Explore the foundational concepts of military strategy and operations

Chapter 1

Conflict and War in Africa

Understanding the Fundamental Distinction

Explore the critical difference between 'war' (state-on-state) and 'conflict' (internal, resource-driven hostilities) and the seven functions of armed forces.

⏱️ 13:49📚 4 Topics
Chapter 2

The Relationship between African National Strategy and African Military Strategy

Aligning Political Goals with Military Action

Military strategy must be subordinate to and aligned with a clear national strategy. Explore the four strategic postures and the hierarchy of strategic planning.

⏱️ 11:29📚 4 Topics
Chapter 3

Warfare, Attrition, Revolution, Operational Design and Manoeuvre

The Character of Military Violence

Understand the choices commanders make in how to fight: offensive vs. defensive, attrition vs. manoeuvre, and the art of operational design.

⏱️ 12:30📚 4 Topics
Chapter 4

The Modern Principles of War

Ten Guiding Principles for African Military Strategy

Explore the ten core principles that guide African military strategy: Political Relevance, Directional Flexibility, Intelligence, Means, Sustainability, Support, Security, Simplicity, Exploitation, and Conclusion.

⏱️ 13:15📚 4 Topics
Chapter 5

Defending and Protecting the Pillars of State

Territorial Integrity, Governance, Economy, Social Cohesion

Understand the four pillars that constitute a functioning state and how military operations support their defense and protection in Sub-Saharan Africa.

⏱️ 11:45📚 4 Topics
Chapter 6

Military Operations Related to War

Offensive, Defensive, Stability, and Counter-Insurgency Operations

Master the types of military operations, operational planning, and the challenges of conducting effective operations in African contexts with limited resources.

⏱️ 11:01📚 4 Topics

Recommended Learning Path

1

Conflict and War in Africa

Explore the critical difference between 'war' (state-on-state) and 'conflict' (internal, resource-driven hostilities) and the seven functions of armed forces.

2

The Relationship between African National Strategy and African Military Strategy

Military strategy must be subordinate to and aligned with a clear national strategy. Explore the four strategic postures and the hierarchy of strategic planning.

3

Warfare, Attrition, Revolution, Operational Design and Manoeuvre

Understand the choices commanders make in how to fight: offensive vs. defensive, attrition vs. manoeuvre, and the art of operational design.

4

The Modern Principles of War

Explore the ten core principles that guide African military strategy: Political Relevance, Directional Flexibility, Intelligence, Means, Sustainability, Support, Security, Simplicity, Exploitation, and Conclusion.

5

Defending and Protecting the Pillars of State

Understand the four pillars that constitute a functioning state and how military operations support their defense and protection in Sub-Saharan Africa.

6

Military Operations Related to War

Master the types of military operations, operational planning, and the challenges of conducting effective operations in African contexts with limited resources.

Ready to Master Military Strategy?

Begin your learning journey with Chapter 1 and progress through all three foundational chapters.