DIE AARD, STUDIEVELD EN FUNKSIE VAN DIE KRYGSGESKIEDENIS

Abstract

THE NATURE, SCOPE AND FUNCTION OF MILITARY HISTORY

As a result of the tremendous impact the military has had on society and vice versa, the scope of military history has become practically as wide as that of history in general.

Military history has both an educational and a practical use. It enables the soldier to see warfare in perspective, to relate it to the times of peace and the societies from which it originated, with the way in which societies determine the nature and extent of wars and the way in which societies are influenced by wars. It makes the soldier aware of the continuity of certain factors in warfare, yet also of the ever-changing nature and character of warfare.

With a knowledge of what others before him have attempted, of what succeeded and what did not, the soldier can tackle the problems of his time with greater insight and perspective. While the study of military history does not bring immediate solutions to contemporary problems or ensure success on the battlefield, it remains the only alternative for personal experience.