Expanding Interests

Robert — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 21:57:47 +0000

For the past few years I have been fascinated with the First World War, particularly American military involvement. As stated elsewhere on this site, my proposed dissertation topic would have me analyzing the history and role of the Coast Artillery Corps on the Western Front in battles such as the Meuse-Argonne. Considering the level of scholarship already present, my research would explore a neglected branch of the Army while better understanding the contributions of the Corps as a land force. Although a brief summary, obviously the topic requires further development, that is the starting point for my research. Discussing my interest in that subject, however, is not the focus of this post. Instead I would like to express my other interest and how it may, or may not, affect my academic future.

This semester I am taking a course solely on the Vietnam War. Incidentally, this is my first true post-Second World War American history course. Needless to say my understanding of the Cold War era leaves a lot to be desired. All of that aside, my escalating interest in Vietnam might cause me to shift my Civil War to Second World War focus to one that encompasses America’s more modern conflicts. The World Wars onwards might be a better focus simply because of the amount of literature that needs to be written. That realization has started to make me wonder what would happen if my interest in the Vietnam war led to changing my dissertation topic to one that dealt with some aspect of America’s turbulent foray into Southeast Asia. At present the idea of centering on 20th Century warfare seems far less drastic and would allow for my Great War topic.

Granted I have comps to worry about first, I still find it prudent to ponder these questions before I start asking certain professors to join my committee. For instance, if I shift to a more modern topic it would help to have professors whose strengths lie in Cold War-era topics. Alternatively, perhaps I just worry too much! Any outside thoughts and suggestions are welcome.

Piracy Solution: Q-Ships and Commerce Raiders?

Robert — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 14:39:07 +0000

A lot of talk over how to combat these new age pirates has been going on for a few years, with the only major action being the increase of foreign warships in the waters off western Africa. Has this helped? Anyone following the news this week is well aware of the capture of an American merchant vessel by pirates of the coast of Somalia. So in short, no, using modern warships has not helped. Much of the blame can be attributed to the lack of sufficient numbers in armed ships as well as the rules of engagement agreed upon by many of the nations taking part in the anti-piracy patrols.

Hilfskreuzer Kormoran

Let me suggest an idea that has already received some talk on the internet. Look back to the two World Wars and one will find a few possible solutions to piracy. Namely, money could be spent to convert merchant ships into Q-Ships or Commerce Raiders. Simply put, add some heavy firepower with well trained crews to a few merchant vessels and let the pirates enjoy the surprise. Current rules of engagement and many other international maritime laws would need to be revised, but disguised warships could deter, and possibly thwart, many pirate attacks.

Would armed vessels really be effective? A German Commerce Raider, Atlantis, sank twenty-two merchant vessels during her brief career until she was sunk by the British in 1941. During both World Wars, Q-Ships and Commerce Raiders feel victim to enemy submarines and warships. At present, the pirates do not operate anything remotely similar to the large fleets possessed by the world powers during the World Wars, therefore modern disguised warships could take on any pirate mother-ship with a good margin of success.

Any thoughts or better anti-piracy suggestions?

Thompson Werk » World Wars

Expanding Interests

Piracy Solution: Q-Ships and Commerce Raiders?