This is a research paper. You are encouraged to look beyond the textbook in drawing on historical sources for this paper. You must use and cite at least one primary source in your paper. In general you must use proper citation throughout the paper and include a bibliography.

• Length: exclusive of any title pages and bibliography the paper must be no less than 3 pages.
• Throughout this course we have emphasized the need to think critically and avoid the trap of using military history as a compilation of “lessons learned” that can be uniformly applied to current operations. Yet, as a military professional you will be called upon throughout your career to render opinions on current or future military topics and make some use of military history in support of your position. Your paper will answer the question that you must resolve before offering those opinions: What is the role of history in understanding the military profession? The answer must include at least three specific examples that invoke themes in this course (e.g. effect of technology, joint operations ( army, navy, air force, marines), limited/total war, etc.). It is acceptable, and maybe even necessary, to draw into your answer current and future events that are not covered in the text as needed to show how military history can influence understanding these issues.