While reading 1776, I am continuously struck by the parallels between wartime during the Revolution, and modern warfare. In Chapter 4, Washington struggles with the dillema of how to navigate the unfamiliar terrain of New York, and how to defeat the British Navy in a more water-based terrain than the American soldiers were used to. Going into the battles, it was clear that the British Navy had the upper hand: waterways for their massive ships, experience in the state, and overall a stronger militia force. Washington, as a leader, had to balance these concerns, taking care of his men, while still strategizing and war gaming to defeat the British.

In the book Black Hearts, the author tells the story of Bravo 1st Platoon, 502nd Infantry Division during the Iraq war in 2006. The platoon is hastily placed in unfamiliar terrain to take over for a failing National Guard unit in Iraq’s “Triangle of Death.” Poor senior leadership left them alone at a Patrol Base for 21 days with minimal food, no running water, no latrine system, and no substantial cover or concealment in their position. The platoon leadership was forced to adapt to harsh environmental conditions, including temperatures exceeding 120 degrees some days. The soldiers faced uncertainty of terrain, and were constantly ambushed by RPG’s and IEDs in terrain that the Iraqi insurgents knew well. While in this situation the Americans were better trained with better equipment, the terrain provided a huge advantage to the enemy. The Americans spent so much of their day dragging sandbags and wires around their patrol base to increase their security, that they were exhausted and aloof by the end of the day.

While these situations are not identical, it is interesting to read two different books about wars that were over 200 years apart, and to find many similarities between them. It is interesting that the US Army is still fighting some of the same battles it fought when it was created. The enemy has changed but the challenges remain.