Military History | The Runway

Military history is a field that studies warfare and its societal impacts, including battle strategies, weaponry progression, and military technology evolution. It's crucial for understanding societal evolution and informing military strategies. Strategists can learn from victories and defeats by analysing past wars to inform future decisions. Military history also reveals societal responses to conflict, guiding efforts to prevent future wars and promote peace. Additionally, it fosters national identity by allowing societies to remember and honour their past. In essence, military history provides valuable insights into the past, present, and human nature.

Military History

The Cold War nuclear test that turned the sky crimson

In the early 1960s, the US military fired nuclear rockets into space to study electromagnetic pulses and their effects, creating a massive crimson aurora, blackouts in Hawaii, and heightened radiation that damaged satellites.

Military History

The World War II destroyer escort that fought like a battleship

The Battle of Leyte Gulf (1944) was the largest naval engagement in history, involving four major engagements over four days. The U.S. destroyer escort Roberts fought valiantly against heavy Japanese cruisers, despite eventually being sunk.

Military History

Tuskegee airman who notched three air-to-air victories in one day dies at 100

Lt. Col. Harry Stewart, Jr., one of the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen, flew 43 missions during WWII, earning a Distinguished Flying Cross and an Air Medal. Stewart was one of the most decorated Tuskegee pilots.

Military History

Australian Forward Air Controllers Fought Hard in the Vietnam War

RAAF pilots flew critical forward air control missions—marking targets, guiding airstrikes, and supporting troops under fire in high-risk operations. Missions required high situational awareness and precision and, coordination with ground troops and attack aircraft

Military History

Soldier from legendary ‘Darby’s Rangers’ recovered after 81 years

The remains of a World War II US Army Ranger, who went missing in 1943 while on operations, were found and identified in Italy. His return to the US has a special significance for the Ranger community.

Military History

F-111 Aardvark: Did the Air Force Retire This Warplane Too Soon?

The F-111 Aardvark was retired at different times by the USAF and RAAF due to differing strategic needs. While the U.S. replaced it with newer bombers in the 1990s, Australia maintained it until 2010 for its extended-range operational requirements.

Military History

Why Japan Failed at Pearl Harbor

Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor was a major strategic misjudgment, provoking US rage instead of submission. The USA sought revenge by applying overwhelming force, culminating in the dropping of the atom bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Military History

Jimmy Carter – Naval Submariner

US President Carter's service in nuclear subs (one is named after him) shaped his legacy— hands-on fission technology leadership contributed to global peace efforts. His work symbolised a blend of military service and peacebuilding.

Military History

Tsar Bomba: The Largest Atomic Test in World History

This article explores the detonation of the Tsar Bomba on October 30, 1961, the largest nuclear test in history, and its impact on global politics and nuclear disarmament efforts.

Military History

Value of History in the Army

Understanding and applying history is crucial for Army leaders and Soldiers. The U.S. Army Center of Military History emphasizes its role in decision-making, leadership development, and fostering esprit de corps.