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Articles & Book Reviews

Perspectives on leader development, experimentation, and capability — and reviews of the books that shape how we think about leading and learning. Written by COL (Ret) Chris Willis.

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Article · I/ITSEC 2023

A Hybrid Approach to Combat Simulation Experimentation

Combining human-in-the-loop and closed-loop constructive simulation to capture the strengths of both — real-world applicability and statistical significance — in warfighting experiments.

WILLIS, BAYER, KELLY & ANDERSON · MANEUVER BATTLE LAB
Article · I/ITSEC 2021

A Framework for the Accreditation of Simulation-Based Experiments

Who accredits your experiments? A cross-functional framework for accrediting the entire simulation experiment — models, scenario, environment, and analysis — not just the M&S.

YANOSCHIK & WILLIS · MANEUVER BATTLE LAB
Book Review

George Marshall: Defender of the Republic — David L. Roll

The Army's greatest soldier-statesman as a field manual for leader development: talent management as a weapon system, candor as a career strategy, selflessness as strategic capital.

AUG 2026 · DUTTON CALIBER · 704 PP
Book Review

Project Maven — Katrina Manson

The story of the Maven Smart System, reviewed through a Battle Lab lens: what a decade of AI-warfare development teaches about experimentation, iteration, and fielding capability under friction.

AUG 2026 · W.W. NORTON
Book Review

Sicily ’43 — James Holland

Operation Husky and the first assault on Fortress Europe — timeless lessons on Joint Forcible Entry Operations, airborne fragility, and air and naval superiority.

AUG 2026 · GROVE PRESS · 640 PP
Book Review

The Savage Storm — James Holland

Salerno and the battle for Italy, 1943 — what an infantry-centric slog against a determined defender teaches the modern student of large-scale combat operations.

AUG 2026 · ATLANTIC MONTHLY · 624 PP
Book Review

Brothers in Arms — James Holland

The Sherwood Rangers' transformation from horse cavalry to legendary tank regiment — and its lessons for the Army Transformation Initiative.

AUG 2026 · ATLANTIC MONTHLY · 529 PP