The anticipated textbook "Studying tactics" sees the light

"Studying tactics" is a clear, instruction-oriented textbook with direct connections to the research process. The textbook is designed to support the teaching of operational art and tactics research, as well as the writing of a thesis.

The textbook Studying tactics (edited by Janne Tähtinen and Juuso Säämänen) includes the basics of philosophy of science for operational art and tactics researchers, the basic concepts used in teaching research, the various phases of the research process, as well as a chapter introducing research methods for operational art and tactics research.

The textbook is intended as a starting point for learning, introducing the basics for operational art and tactics researchers at different degree levels. These basics can also be utilised by doctoral students and professional researchers in Military Sciences. 

”However, the textbook is not an exhaustive guide or a philosopher’s stone for thesis work. Readers should also utilise earlier publications guiding research from the Department of Warfare. Readers should also be well-read in both Finnish and international research literature. This is the only way to ensure that theses and studies are methodologically sound and have sufficient depth”, Lieutenant Colonel Tähtinen states. 

The textbook is the work of eight authors. As for the key contributors, the authors include two Military Professors and one Deputy Military Professor, three Chiefs of Research Group at the Department of Warfare, four Research Methods teachers from the Research Group at the Department of Warfare, six General Staff Officers, three Doctors of Military Science, and four Doctoral Students of Military Science. 

”It gives a clear and comprehensive methodology for tactics research, with a modern presentation based on the traditions of operational art and tactics studies. This publication is primarily a textbook, but it can be used as a tool, handbook, and framework for doing research while in service. This book helps the reader understand how operational art and tactics are studied”, the former director of the Department of Warfare, Colonel (ret.) Petteri Kajanmaa reminds. 

The textbook Studying tactics is freely available to all readers at the Publication Archive Doria.