A review of Stephen Platt’s The Raider, chronicling Evans Carlson’s journey from Mao’s army to the Pacific front and shaping tactics still influencing the military today.
I'll defer to Sara for expertise on China -- but yes my impression is that it wasn't like an on/off switch or an either/or proposition. We (the US) had relations with both the Communists and the anti-Communists in China in the 1940s. And yes we were allied with the Soviets against Nazi Germany during WW II. It's a complicated world!
There's got to be many stories to learn about this time in history and the state of our relationship today. The same goes with the former Soviet Union, now Russia. Switching alliances for military or worse national gain is a constant in Military history. But it's never really been studied. Makes you wonder who's really in charge.
Curious, the USMC colors are similar to those displayed by the Chinese. Might be a reach but to what effect would Chinese influences in training Marines to this day in teamwork and egalitarianism (I still wear a Marine ring fifty years since boot camp) may have manifested themselves through acculturation with heraldic items etc.
Yes sir, I've been teaching for years that the Marines approach to training troops seems to be borrowed from China and one somewhat (fortunately) contrary to a more Democratic approach one might expect to see within the USA.
I'll defer to Sara for expertise on China -- but yes my impression is that it wasn't like an on/off switch or an either/or proposition. We (the US) had relations with both the Communists and the anti-Communists in China in the 1940s. And yes we were allied with the Soviets against Nazi Germany during WW II. It's a complicated world!
There's got to be many stories to learn about this time in history and the state of our relationship today. The same goes with the former Soviet Union, now Russia. Switching alliances for military or worse national gain is a constant in Military history. But it's never really been studied. Makes you wonder who's really in charge.
tuchman’s book on stillwell mentions carlson several times.
Such a great story, with lessons far beyond the military. And make sure you accompany it with the 1943 "Gung Ho!"
The bottom line is at 14:50 when the CO gives the Gung Ho speech:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3M5pAYa44DY
Curious, the USMC colors are similar to those displayed by the Chinese. Might be a reach but to what effect would Chinese influences in training Marines to this day in teamwork and egalitarianism (I still wear a Marine ring fifty years since boot camp) may have manifested themselves through acculturation with heraldic items etc.
The Chinese influences on the USMC are intense, especially in the pre WWII days.
Thanks Mark-an example of sinicization?
Appreciate it!
The USMC has been directly involved in the Far East, including China, in some way shape or form since the 1800s.
One of a myriad of examples:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China_Marines
Yes sir, I've been teaching for years that the Marines approach to training troops seems to be borrowed from China and one somewhat (fortunately) contrary to a more Democratic approach one might expect to see within the USA.
Thanks, David! I read the book but Sara did the heavy lifting here.
It will certainly be on my reading list.
I'll be adding this to my reading list.
Great review, Nick & Sara! Incredibly interesting. I’m sold… it’s on my list.
You will not be disappointed, David! It is a great read.