Overheard on the Web, and other Web links From The Herald's Research Editor
Thursday, January 13, 2005
Military genius
Here's a fascinating story in the New Yorker, Battle Lessons, about how lower-level U.S. military commanders in Iraq are having to make split second decisions that may change the course of the war. Apparently some of them are coming up with really clever solutions to problems, and one reason may be a couple Internet sites created to help them learn about command.
"The officers fighting in Iraq are, most of the time, remarkably enthusiastic. This is their war, the only one they may get in their careers. It follows an attack on the United States, even if the connection between the attack and the war has been questioned. Within the tiny sliver of the war each sees, examples of brilliance and bravery abound. They're proud to be a part of "the most beautiful Army in the history of the world," as one recently returned captain put it; he praised his immediate commander for wisdom and compassion, and his company for being so disciplined and professional that it could turn off the violence "like a good hunting dog.""
Elisabeth (Liz) Donovan was a Herald librarian for 10 years, and Research Editor for 13 years. She came to The Herald in 1981, following several years at the
Washington Post. She started blogging in 2000, with a news research blog, followed by the blog at Herald.com in 2003. A frequent speaker and writer on news research, she was honored in 2004 by the
News Division of the Special Libraries Association for her contributions to
the field.
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