The West Point Landscape: 1802-1860
Through the use of maps and historical graphics, readers gain a better understanding of some of the rich, early history of West Point. Extensively researched but presented in an accessible way, this heavily illustrated work chronicles the landscape history of the United States Military Academy from 1802 to 1860.
Sylvanus Thayer: A Biography
This updated biography of Sylvanus Thayer provides a chronological look at the life of the man best known as the “Father of the United States Military Academy.” Jon C. Malinowski’s additions to James William Kershner’s original work makes this the comprehensive biography on Thayer, putting him in proper historical context to show his importance as an engineer, educator, and leader in a formative era of American history.
Language, Regional Expertise, and Culture in the Military
In today’s complex global security environment, military effectiveness depends not only on advanced technology and tactics but also on the ability to understand, communicate, and collaborate across cultures. This interdisciplinary volume examines the evolving role of language, regional expertise, and cultural competency (LREC) in U.S. military training, strategy, and leadership. Drawing on insights from both military and academic contributors, this collection offers a timely and authoritative overview of how LREC competencies support deterrence, interoperability, influence operations, and alliance-building for the warfighter.
Assessing Forest Health Across U.S. Army Installations Using Sentinel-2 Imagery
Introduction
Preparing soldiers for combat is the responsibility of the leaders within our United States Army. This requires realistic training locations to best simulate what soldiers can expect to see in combat. Forests are the life blood of that realistic setting. Our Army needs realistic, thriving forests to best simulate the conditions soldiers may meet in austere, forward deployed environments
The Impacts of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid on Army Installations
Introduction
Threat
The Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (Adelges tsugae, HWA) is an invasive insect native to East Asia which is now spreading across the Northeast affecting training areas and forests on military installations. HWA kills Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) within 4-10 years, by feeding on the nutrients at the base of the needles during the winter (NYS DEC). The Eastern Hemlock is a foundational tree species in the northeast United States that plays a crucial ecological role in supporting wildlife habitats (Biological Control of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid 2024)
Ground Truth Under Fire: Evaluating Backpack SLAM LiDAR for Under-Canopy Topography and Military Trafficability
Handheld SLAM LiDAR enables organic terrain collection in GPS-denied environments. This study compares SLAM-derived DEMs against UAS airborne ground truth at two sites to evaluate accuracy and asses whether the magnitude of the error is acceptable for vehicle trafficability planning.
Geopolitical Implications of Critical Mineral Mining in the Lithium Triangle
Introduction
Background and Relevance
The Lithium Triangle sits in the Andean Plateau region of Argentina, Chile, and Bolivia. 60% of the world’s known lithium reserves are contained within a subterranean brine found beneath the regions high-altitude salt flats, known as salars.
The current energy transition has increased the market demand for lithium, which is the primary component of lithium-ion batteries, used in most electronic devices and in notably large quantities in electric vehicle batteries.