Vedas and (specifically) military science.

[Don Penguinoini]

I came across this great site which has some fantastic quotes from the Vedas. This is my answer to all those "Qur'an is the best" type of threads. Enjoy!

For the defence of a country there are abundant references in Vedas, to maintain a regular-armed force. It is also enjoined therein that the immediate control of this defence force should be under the command of a chief, who has been described by various names, like Rudra (Ath. 4.30.5) Arbudi and Nyarbudi etc. (See Sukta 9 of Atharvaveda). In respect of policy matter, relating to defence, committee of experts, known as (Samiti) (Sabha) (Sura) (Ath.15.8.9) (Ath.4.30.2 and Rig.10.125.3) is constituted. These committees are appointed by king (Hymn No.125 of tenth Mandala of Rigveda). This whole hymn deals with advisory bodies. The king has essentially to keep three advisory bodies for properly governing the country.

One of the three councils is to advise the king on matters of defence.
(Rig.3.38.6)
Defence Planning


A Greek Scholar, Cireco very very aptly counseled and wrote that “armies can signify but little, unless there is a council or a wise management at home”. The efficiency of an army is thus very much dependent on the efficiency of the ministry of defence. There should be defence planners. No war is to be declared without the consent and clear directive of the Ministry of Defence.

In ancient India, defence was clearly divided into fighters and planners very much like operations and strategy. Today things are different however. The Armed Forces consists of fighters and planners supplemented recently with the National Security Advisory Board. The Ministry of Defence as I understand plays mainly a supervisory role, one of controlling the armed forces, the purse or must I say trying to play supercop. Bureaucrat’s run the ministry not military planners as was the case in ancient India. However, for reasons best known, as a nation we are so paranoid about increasing financial, executive powers to the Armed Forces that we have not delegated enough to our men in uniform. Perhaps the Military Coups in Pakistan and Bangladesh have increased our apprehension. 53 years after independence, it is perhaps time we trusted our Armed Forces with financial authority and more responsibility in strategic matters.

O members of the council, I know the nature of the powers, since you are called Narista (whose orders are bound to be obeyed). People shall obey your order. All the members of this council have to work collectively.
(Ath.7.12.2)
Here Rudraya means the commander-in-chief and Samiti issues instructions to him to fight out the enemy who is out to disturb peace in the country.
( Ath.4.30.5)
War when to be Fought


According to Vedas, war with an enemy is normally to be started when he first attacks or intends to attack. It is not to be fought out simply to acquire the territory of any other country. At times of internal disturbances, the army is also required to suppress revolt etc. Army is intended for the help of the King under the eventualities.

Now this is very interesting. It says that a King will only attack to defend himself and not to conquer the territory of another country. Now compare this with Islam and Christianity. Both these religions have attacked the world as none other while India has never invaded any other country ever. While there are many reasons for India not having done so, the Vedas, the oldest schools of Indian thought pronounce a defensive approach. Since 1947, Bharat has fought 4 wars with Pakistan and not once did we start it. Even during the recently held Agra Summit it was the Pakis who were attacking the Indians by saying that Kashmir must be part of Pakistan, it was only after the Pakis attacked us did we respond. During the Summit, I did not hear India challenge the Pakistani position on the Accession of Jammu and Kashmir to India or non-adherence by Pakistan of the 1948 U N Resolution that Pakistan has been harping on for nearly 50 years.

O brave warriors, rise with your banners and prepare yourself for (battle) to protect the territorial boundaries of the country. O snake like swift warriors, O demons like men and other people, chase the enemy who attempts to attack.
(Rig.5.54.14) (Ath.11.10.1)

O warriors, you cannot be conquered by any one, you can not be killed or subdued by any one; but you do not trouble any one nor plunder any area. You are assigned to protect the Kingdom.
(Rig.5.54.7)

Qualifications of a Commander: In Vedas, / commander-in chief is mostly addressed as Rudra or Maruta. Both these words indicate his quality. Rudra means fearless and Maruta means swift in action. He is to be a man of strong will, sturdy and of impressive physique, should be able to command and protect the country from internal as well as from external invasions.

O commander-in-chief! You are capable of taking to task the wicked persons. You possess the capacity and power to annihilate the enemy. You are equipped with requisite weapons. We pay our respect to you.
(Yaju 16.1)

Some of the qualities required for a chief of an army are dealt in detail, in Rig. Veda 2.33, Ath.11.2. Only a few of them are noted below:

(1) (Kavim). Fully conversant with the art of fighting a war (Rig.1-114-4)

(2) (Shvitichey)-Possessing exemplary character. (Rig.2-33-8)

(3) (Vajrabahu)-Whose arms are like that of a sword. (Rig.2-33-3)

(4) (Pururupa)-Capable of handling all sorts of situations. (Rig :2-33-9)

(5) (Sahasrakshaya)-Possessing a very watchful eye. (Yajur Veda)

(6) (Avevirah)-Outstanding warrior. (Ath.:19-12-2)

O commander-in-chief, you possess the capacity to fight out the enemy. You deploy weapons for destroying the enemy and protect the boundaries from invasion.
(Yaju 16.3)

O brave warriors! March on fast, attack the enemy according to command of your officer, chase the enemy as a wolf worries the sheep, let not the enemy go out of your clutches alive, Stop his breath (kill him).
( Ath.5.8.4.)
Qualifications of a Warrior

Foremost qualification of warrior is that he must be deeply in love with his motherland. It is only then he can put his whole soul to save his motherland from all sorts of troubles.

A good warrior has almost the same qualities, which are possessed by the army commander.

(i) (Urga) (Rig.1.19.4)-Swift to take action.
(ii) (Rig.1.19.4) Indomitable courage.
(iii) (Rig.1.19.5) fearless.
(iv) (Rig.1.37.2) Bright.
(v) Who is prepared to die for his cause? (Rig.1.37.1)

The warrior should be brave, expert in the use of weapons, capable of defeating the enemy, should be expert (in driving and riding etc.) and in full know of army rules and affairs.



I know this is stunningly long, i dont expect you to read this all, a good 20 quotes will give you an ides of the Scientific Vedas. You gotta say, a LOT of true stuff. This just to do with the military. I could give you millions of pages on astrology. I can't at the moment, because that site is SHUT DOWN! Just my luck... Something about court...

ENJOY!...

Thoughts?

 

[Don Penguinoini]

Qualifications of a Warrior

Foremost qualification of warrior is that he must be deeply in love with his motherland. It is only then he can put his whole soul to save his motherland from all sorts of troubles.

A good warrior has almost the same qualities, which are possessed by the army commander.

(i) (Urga) (Rig.1.19.4)-Swift to take action.
(ii) (Rig.1.19.4) Indomitable courage.
(iii) (Rig.1.19.5) fearless.
(iv) (Rig.1.37.2) Bright.
(v) Who is prepared to die for his cause? (Rig.1.37.1)

The warrior should be brave, expert in the use of weapons, capable of defeating the enemy, should be expert (in driving and riding etc.) and in full know of army rules and affairs.

Valiant women are also to be recruited in the army who are bodily fit like men.

O queen, the slayer of foes, organize the band of the army of women, that may bewilder the hearts of the forces of the enemy, remain aloof from sin, convey him to thy Soldiers, burn down the foes, whereby they may abide in utter darkness with hearts full of grief.
(Yaju 17.44)
Can we Indians forget the heroics of the Rani of Jhansi or Ahilyabai Holkar.

General National Service


The idea of General National Service, as envisaged in the Indian constitution (Part IV-A), is not a new one and is derived from Vedas. The security of a country is the responsibility of every citizen. He must give a few years of his life for service to the Nation. In Vedic age brahmacharis (Scholars) were given military training in Ashramas. Hymn 8 of Rig. Veda indicates this fact by the use of the words which means the general public (Rig.5.53.10 and 5.58.1) New recruits are to be taken every year to be posted at different places and in different cantonments of the same age and Maruta Swift like the wind. National service, which is times of danger, develops into a nation in arms. Nationalism and National service grow hand in hand.

Tri-Service


Army alike these days, is divided into three categories viz. land, sea and air. We will deal with them one by one briefly.

(a) Land forces : (The queen of battle field) :

Land and the people residing on it, shiver when the brave warriors march over, with all their equipments, bands, etc.
(Rig.1.38.10)

Brave warriors you gracefully go both on land and in air. The vehicles will follow your path ___
(Rig 1.55.7)

O Commanding Officer! You are the holder of these lethal weapons, which have three edges, three effects and are effective against the enemy on earth, outer space etc. People on earth. And in air or in other heavenly regions accept your power.
(Ath.11.10.2)

Warriors of the country, countless in numbers and in a very great strength march on the earth in lines and are posted at different places.
( Yaju 16.54)
(b) Air force :

Those warriors (air men) who come by aeroplanes are free from the effect of dust

(Rig.1.168.4)

O warrior! You come through the shining sky.
(Rig.1.6.9.)

Warriors! Your enemy cannot trace you out in the space.
(Rig 1.39.4)

We bow to you, O soldier, who flying in the outer space protects those living beings there.
( Ath 11.2.4.)
(c) Sea force

The ships (sea horse) carry away necessary wealth, ration etc. for those soldiers who are stationed beyond sea.
(Rig.1.167.2)
In this mantra a warrior is described as bird who travels in the sea under water, which fact indicates that soldiers go under the sea, viz. in submarines.
(Rig.5.52.9)

Special Honor for Brave Warriors


Vedas lay down that special respect; honor should be accorded to army men, as they are the protectors of the country.

Respect for the warrior, respect to the commander, respect for all the ranks. Every essential item needed, should be offered to those who are in the vehicles and also to those who drive these vehicles Full honor should be bestowed on all those who fight the enemy either on land, in air or in the sea. This mantra also establishes the fact that the army is divided into three categories land force, air force and sea force. Not mere honor, but all kinds of facilities are to be provided to army men. Special type of clothing, proper nursing, food, living accommodation, clubs, play ground, hospitals, places for the prayers and educational facilities are to be provided to them.
(Yaju 16.26)
A.Clubs


When this mantra is interpreted in relation to a soldier it means as under: -

1. There should be assemblies of warriors.
2. They should be given chance to address others.
3. They should be taught to speak a well-considered and cultured language.
4. They should perform Agnihotra (sacrificial fire).
5. (Rig.1.66.2): They should play in playgrounds.
(Rig.1.167.3)
B. Hospital, Medical Aid


O you Maruta! the commander will arrange for you all those medicines, which are pure and useful for the betterment of your health.
(Rig 2.33.13)

There is a simile in this verse. Just as children run hither and so also the soldiers, during war go on all sides to save themselves from onslaught. All those soldiers who are tired, wounded, torn of their parts or the tainted ones should be removed immediately from the field and taken to safe places for providing them medical treatment For the dead, proper arrangements for their cremation are to be made.

( Yaju 17.48))

 

[Don Penguinoini]

C. Military training


O warrior! you learn viz. training for parade etc. This whole hymn, seventh of eight mandala of Rigveda deals with the training and equipment of soldiers.
(Rig.8.7.2.)


O warrior! you sometimes disguise yourself as human, sometimes as a horse and at other times as a pigeon to befoul the enemy.
(Rig 5.52.11)

This mantra refers to the training of the soldiers to entrap the enemy in a winding coil like circle.
(Ath. 11.9.5.)

The soldiers walk in line (parade) just as the birds do. (Rig. 5.59.7.)

Like men, women are also to be given military training.

O wife of the commander-in-chief! expert in the art of archery, trained by learned person, on persuasion, go afar, encounter the force of the enemy, and achieve victory by slaying them. Let not even one of those distant foes escape.
(Yaju 17.45)

D. Arrangement of Food


Soldiers are served with curd. (Rig 1.64.2)

(Rig.1.87.1) Soldiers are provided with Elixir.

(Rig. 1.85.3) During journey, soldiers are to be provided with food, butter etc. ___ Varieties of food to be given to them.

E. Clothing (Uniform):

Warriors’ bodies should be well protected and provided with uniforms to look graceful.
(Rig.5.57.6.)

Soldiers should look graceful there with their well-built bodies and good dresses. They should be provided with bulletproof jackets.
(Rig 1.166.9)

F. Accommodation:

For accommodating large force of Army ruler is required to build cantonments.
(Rig.1.64.10), (Rig 1.165.1) and (Rig 5.87.4).

The first two above indicate that the soldiers are to live in the same type of house. The third mantra means that the soldiers go out of the same type of an accommodation viz. barracks.

Oath Taking:

Devoid of all misdeeds we vow to serve the motherland.
(Yaju 12.12)
Military Band


Hymns twelfth and twenty-first of fifth Kanda of the Atharva Veda deal mostly with war drums bands.

Let the war drums, which are meant for quick victory and known to all, roar loudly like oxen marked by strength among the cattle. Let these drums pierce the hearts of the adversaries with sorrow and let our routed enemies desert their villages.

The war-drums are also useful in the battlefields as they play great part in frightening the enemy and his forces.
(Ath.5.20.3)

Let the roar of the war-drums be loud spreading their noise all-around between earth and sky; let their sharp notes spread out in all directions, let them reign at the enemy to frighten him and his forces. They also encourage our army and our allies.
(Ath.5.20.7)

Let these war drums be victorious in battles, loudly roaring and becoming the means of seizing whatever may be seized and be witnessed by all. Let these war drums sound wonderful note and let the army commander capture all the possessions of the enemies.
(Ath.5.20.4.)
FLAG


May these one-minded wondrous armies holding the flag marked with sun, subjugate our enemies. (Whatever uttered herein is correct.)
(Ath.5.21.12)

Let the red flag wave high in the sky when the army equipped with Trisandhi (three types of army, viz. land force, airforce and sea force) come out victorious.
(Ath.11.10.7)

Flags should fly on each vehicle carrying young commander or other warriors to distinguish as to whether it is our or that of the enemy’s vehicle.
(Ath.15.19.13.11)

Attack the enemy having flying flags.
(Ath. 11.10)

Equipment for the army


Unless the army is fully equipped with in all respects it is not possible to win the war. Soldiers are, therefore, to be provided with all the necessary weapons, quick transport, medical facilities, requisite number of tanks and other carriers, aeroplanes, ships, etc. and above all, proper and adequate ration for the front. Weapons and carriers are to be manufactured in ordnance factories and supplied from other supply depots. What happened in 1962, you may ask? So much was this nation of ours taken by the Gandhian concept of non-violence that Nehru and his comrades like Acharya Kriplani neglected the defence needs of our country. Here, Gandhi did not follow the Vedas or the holy Geeta.

O you the producers of arms and ammunitions : (ordnance factories) and you the supplier of the same, vouchsafe that the arms you are supplying are in good condition and shall never fail while in use by the warriors who are wholly and perfectly devoted to defend their mother land.
(Yaju 16.10)

A brief list of army weapons, referred to in Vedas, is given below:

(1). (Yaju 33.46) equivalent to modern bomb. (2) (Yaju 10.21). (3) (Yaju 10.22). (4) It emits rays to destroy the enemy. (5) (Yaju 16.11). It is not thrown like a bomb but used in fighting (6) (Yaju 15.16). It is a very strong weapon. (7) (Ath.11.10.2). It consists of three joints almost like a rocket. (8) (Ath.11.10.3). In this weapon small pieces of iron are attached (9) (Ath.11.10.3). It has a pin like nail at the mouth. (10) (Ath.11.10.1). This weapon spreads smoke. (11) (Ath.11.10.7). This weapon makes the enemy senseless. (12) (Ath.11.9.7). It emits tear gas. (13) (Ath.11.9.19). It emits fire.

Besides the above-referred ones, there are various kinds of (traps) mentioned in Vedas, which are to be used to capture the enemy. To name a few of them (Jaiyapasha) (Ath.11.10.25), (Kavach Pasha) (Ath.11.10.25) (Naga Pasha) (Chakra Pasha), (Padma Pasha).

O the effluent commander, you with your hundred kinds of weapons and Pashas can push the enemy back.
(Yaju.16.53)
O commander-in-chief, the thousands of weapons and traps that you possess can tear off the enemy.
( Yaju 16.52)
Army Tactics


May your arms, namely your cannons, rifles, bow and arrows, swords, spears and all other war weapons be strong and firmly wielded by you to repel the wicked foe, bent upon injuring you as well as for opposing and setting at naught the force of his machinations against you. May your army, the strength of nation, be worthy of praise.
(Rig 1.39.2)


Thats it for now, if you want the rest of it, then tell me. Ill be happpy to do so,

 

[Don Penguinoini]

Not one single reply? Well it shows it how "diverse" we are!

 

[painted wolf]

sorry, what are we supposed to be debating?

wa:do

 

[Don Penguinoini]

Well i guessed in our multi-cultural environment that people would bother to look, people who look and pick Utter Rubbish,=debate. Why dont you read the OP and pick an answer at teh top.

 

[painted wolf]

well from a 'diversity' stand point then I must disagree.
My people saw war in a much different way and I think better.

I find counting coup to be a far more civilized and noble way to fight. Not to mention brave and skillful.

wa:do

 

[Don Penguinoini]

Did you read it? That was not all of it... There was loads more. But i didnt bother because no-one else did.

 

[painted wolf]

most of it and little of it agrees with my cultures view on warfare.

War isn't about killing the enemy, its a chance to show your bravery... in fact not killing your enemy is best. Proving to him that you could have killed him but let him live is true honor.
(unless you're one of the MesoAmerican nations in which case the goal was to capture as many of the enemy as possible for sacrifice later)

A warrior was whoever felt the calling to fight, you could choose not to go and no one would think less of you. Those who belonged to warrior societies had their own rules of engagement and ceremonies to be done.

No uniforms, the warrior wears what his medicine indicates he should. Some warrior societies had specific items to identify themselves but other than that item its individual choice. (Aztec and other mesoamerican nations differ here)

The drum is sacred and not to be used in battle. You may sing before and after a battle but you never use the drum during. Personal death songs were sung by warriors during a battle.

there is naturally more, but I'll leave it to this.

wa:do

 

[Don Penguinoini]

Well i thought a warrior is only to fight for the better of his nation, or kingdom. A chance to rescue his/her fellow people and help others.

Not to be so selfish and just to prove to others about their greatness. War is about killing the enemy. Show no mercy and strike quickly and swiftly.

The quicker the war ends, the less casualties.

Let the war drums, which are meant for quick victory and known to all, roar loudly like oxen marked by strength among the cattle. Let these drums pierce the hearts of the adversaries with sorrow and let our routed enemies desert their villages.

The war-drums are also useful in the battlefields as they play great part in frightening the enemy and his forces.
(Ath.5.20.3)

They use drums to scare their opponents, or as they put it, strike fear into their hearts. It scares them. Thats why they are used.

Its a REAL shame that no-one has said anything on the thread, im very sad about that.

 

[painted wolf]

I've said a few things... I'd like to think I'm not no one.

and its mostly that we disagree about war, its purpose and its implementation. Without mercy all you have is a charnal ground.
A man who enjoys killing is shunned... he is less than a human, less than an animal.

A nation is not bettered by death it is lessened by it. Fight if you have to, but never enjoy it.

wa:do

 

[9-10ths_Penguin]

Well i thought a warrior is only to fight for the better of his nation, or kingdom. A chance to rescue his/her fellow people and help others.

Not to be so selfish and just to prove to others about their greatness. War is about killing the enemy. Show no mercy and strike quickly and swiftly.

I disagree, to an extent.

War is about acheiving your objectives, whatever they are. Achieving them without bloodshed is infinitely better than by killing.

Killing your enemy means exposing your own soldiers to the risk of harm. Needless killing implies needless risk to your armies. This is something that a good military leader avoids.

Its a REAL shame that no-one has said anything on the thread, im very sad about that.

I'm not really sure what to say, myself. The quotes you give seem to me to mainly be documentation of military customs at the time, not a guide to the best way to conduct a war.

If you want a real ancient text on military science, I suggest the Art of War by Sun Tzu; you can find a translation online here. You might find it interesting to compare it to the military passages in the Vedas, especially since it is still considered very relevant and is part of the required reading of most military academies.

 

[Don Penguinoini]

I disagree, to an extent.

War is about acheiving your objectives, whatever they are. Achieving them without bloodshed is infinitely better than by killing.

Killing your enemy means exposing your own soldiers to the risk of harm. Needless killing implies needless risk to your armies. This is something that a good military leader avoids.


I'm not really sure what to say, myself. The quotes you give seem to me to mainly be documentation of military customs at the time, not a guide to the best way to conduct a war.

If you want a real ancient text on military science, I suggest the Art of War by Sun Tzu; you can find a translation online here. You might find it interesting to compare it to the military passages in the Vedas, especially since it is still considered very relevant and is part of the required reading of most military academies.

The first bit, of course you need an objective. The objective is to protect, or expand. Of course you should try all you can for a bloodless agreement, but normally this is not possible, and this is where the whole vedic texts come into play.

The second bit...REAL? What do you mean by real? These texts are thousands and thousands of years old, yet for their age they show much wisdom and very applicable laws. They definetely are very fair laws, and if war applied to them, then wars around the world would not be as bad (when it comes to war) I will definetely read the The Art of War, i have heard it is a very good text...

But really, what do you think of the avtually quotes i collected, took me hours to get them...:foot:

 

[9-10ths_Penguin]

The second bit...REAL? What do you mean by real? These texts are thousands and thousands of years old, yet for their age they show much wisdom and very applicable laws. They definetely are very fair laws, and if war applied to them, then wars around the world would not be as bad (when it comes to war) I will definetely read the The Art of War, i have heard it is a very good text...

I do find your military quotes from the Vedas interesting. I mentally see three categories, though:

- military advice that's either common sense, or would be self-evident to an experienced soldier or commander (e.g. the list of qualities of a good solider)
- instruction on culture-specific military customs that, while valid, aren't the only way to do things and not necessarily better or worse than other customs (e.g. war drum bands)
- non-advice items that almost boils down to cheerleading (i.e. the "we will be victorious over our enemies"-type stuff)

The reason I said "real" is that is seems like your quotes are more of a chronicle of military customs at the time they were written than instruction in something that would have been considered novel, better or not thought of.

The Art of War is thousands of years old as well, and it does represent new ideas and a change in thinking: it was an advocation for a new military structure in the culture that produced it (or at least a justification for the structure that Sun Tzu implemented), and in many ways represented a fundamental shift in how war was thought of... for example, it was the source of the idea that the true objective of battle is the mind of the opposing commander, and that all war should be based on deception.

 

[Random]

Absoultely amazing, Penguino...

 

[Don Penguinoini]

WOO! GO Random.

 

[Don Penguinoini]

I do find your military quotes from the Vedas interesting. I mentally see three categories, though:

- military advice that's either common sense, or would be self-evident to an experienced soldier or commander (e.g. the list of qualities of a good solider)
- instruction on culture-specific military customs that, while valid, aren't the only way to do things and not necessarily better or worse than other customs (e.g. war drum bands)
- non-advice items that almost boils down to cheerleading (i.e. the "we will be victorious over our enemies"-type stuff)

The reason I said "real" is that is seems like your quotes are more of a chronicle of military customs at the time they were written than instruction in something that would have been considered novel, better or not thought of.

The Art of War is thousands of years old as well, and it does represent new ideas and a change in thinking: it was an advocation for a new military structure in the culture that produced it (or at least a justification for the structure that Sun Tzu implemented), and in many ways represented a fundamental shift in how war was thought of... for example, it was the source of the idea that the true objective of battle is the mind of the opposing commander, and that all war should be based on deception.

True. But also, you must appreciate that the vedic quotations are much older.

 

[9-10ths_Penguin]

True. But also, you must appreciate that the vedic quotations are much older.

Sure, and it seems like it's a very interesting account of ancient military customs, and that to the people of its day, it would have been a valuable collection of military knowledge.

 

[Don Penguinoini]

Stunning to think that people such a long time ago had so much wisdom and were so intelligent. These vedic quotes were written by old rushis too, something which most indians to be thick and just holy... Although thats not true. It is even said that Jesus got all his powers rom meditating in the Himalayas with rushis and very very old sages.

It is even rumored that there are sages who are 100's of years old in the Himalayas, some of which who shouw themselves quite often.

 

[yossarian22]

Well i thought a warrior is only to fight for the better of his nation, or kingdom. A chance to rescue his/her fellow people and help others.

Help others? How does bashing somebody's head in with a mace help others.

Not to be so selfish and just to prove to others about their greatness. War is about killing the enemy.

And the enemy says the exact same thing about your side.

The quicker the war ends, the less casualties.

To end a war quickly, you have to kill alot of people very quickly. I cannot recall any ways before the 20th century which would support this. world war 1 and 2, yes. Perhaps the civil war, but certainly nothing after the 1700s, where a war could not end quickly anyhow.

They use drums to scare their opponents, or as they put it, strike fear into their hearts. It scares them. Thats why they are used.

Just like why mustard gas was used in WWI

Stunning to think that people such a long time ago had so much wisdom and were so intelligent.

Much of what they said is just common sense.
It also has little relevance to modern warfare.