Fore-Armed: How To Build A Citizen Army

This edition has been fully restored with modern typesetting, custom cover design. This edition has been fully restored with modern typesetting, custom cover design. In "Fore-Armed: How to Build a Citizen Army," Granville Fortescue argues for the necessity of military preparedness in the United States by examining global military systems, including those of Switzerland, Germany, France, and England. He emphasizes the urgency for American citizens to understand and adopt effective defense strategies, particularly given the nation's historical unpreparedness for potential conflicts. Drawing on his extensive military experience, Fortescue advocates for a citizen army that upholds American values while navigating the complexities of military legislation. The book delves into various military systems, such as Germany's, which relies on rigorous structure and compulsory service from ages seventeen to forty-five, fostering a disciplined and prideful citizenry. This is contrasted with American ideals, highlighting the benefits of a well-trained citizen army. Similarly, Australia's military evolution from voluntary service to structured school-based training is explored, noting the importance of physical discipline and the challenges of maintaining an effective defense force amid financial constraints. Fortescue also parallels the U.S. and English military systems during World War I, underscoring the need for compulsory service gleaned from British experiences. This serves as a warning for America to heed its ally's struggles and successes to prepare for future conflicts. A significant focus is placed on the evolution of warfare, particularly the rise of aerial combat, which heralds a new era in military strategy. Fortescue warns of the transformative impact of air forces, such as those of England and Germany, on global conflict dynamics, advocating for adaptation to this new frontier. Throughout, Fortescue passionately argues against complacency, urging Americans to embrace a robust system of citizen military preparedness. He insists that true liberty is safeguarded not by a small standing army but by training every capable citizen, countering perceptions of such readiness as imperialistic, and framing it as essential for national security and the preservation of freedoms.