Press plans to launch three books in four months

December 2, 2020

Just like a military group ready to launch a strategic campaign, the University of North Georgia (UNG) Press has calculated the optimum time to publish a trio of books.

UNG Press is releasing three books for readers to peruse from the comfort of their homes as cold weather descends. All three books have a common theme: the military.

"We really wanted to take off running with our military titles," said Jillian Murphy, assistant managing editor of UNG Press. "So we are releasing three over a four-month period."

Two of the books focus on mission command, an educational strategy of letting subordinates make some decisions as opposed to 100% coming from commanding officers. The benefit of both titles is the international focus and strategy, Murphy said.

"These books study mission command from Australian and Israeli perspectives, which complements the training of UNG's Corps of Cadets," she said.

The first book to launch was "Trust and Leadership: The Australian Army Approach to Mission Command." Released Nov. 10, this essay collection reveals how Australian mission command was applied during 10 global conflicts during the last century, from the Australian Imperial Forces in World War I through 21st century operations.

Along the same lines, "Mission Command in the Israel Defense Forces" is an essay collection that explores Israel's military strategy through the understanding of mission command and its relation to command and control. Set for a Feb. 9 release, the book was written by acting officers who provided real-world scenarios.

In between the release of those books is a soldier's record of World War II. Set for publication Jan. 19, "1,271 Days a Soldier: The Diaries and Letters of Colonel H. E. Gardiner as an Armor Officer in World War II" recalls the first-hand experiences of an operational level ranking officer from the prelude of war to fighting in the African and European theaters. It begins with attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, to the final days of the war in Europe.

"1,271 Days a Soldier" is written with all the emotion of someone who endured nearly four years of high-intensity conflict coupled with long periods of boredom and interjected with periods of frivolity. Detailed footnotes, photographs, and maps throughout the diary provide context for each journal entry to help readers and historians gain a better appreciation of the full spectrum of war.

All three books stem from a partnership between UNG Press and the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) Book Program, a nonprofit educational and professional development association. As a partner, the UNG Press aids AUSA's educational mission by producing high-quality books that address subjects such as military land power and land warfare history, technology, combat, and strategy and tactics.

"This is a natural partnership for us at UNG with our strong military tradition," said Dr. BJ Robinson, director of UNG Press.

The books are available for purchase at local independent bookstores such as Bears Book Market in Dahlonega, Georgia. Or they can be ordered through traditional retailers such as Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million and Amazon. Prices are $19.99 each for "Trust in Leadership" and "Mission Command in the Israel Defense Forces," and $24.99 for "1,271 Days a Soldier."

For more information, visit UNG Press website.