Building the Army’s Backbone

Main Themes and Topics

Building the Army’s Backbone by Andrew L. Brown meticulously examines the crucial role of non-commissioned officers (NCOs) in the transformation of Canada's army during World War II. The book delves into the army's innovative dual-track system for producing NCOs, which was essential for effectively transforming civilians into skilled military personnel. This dual-track system involved both locally organized training programs and centralized talent-distribution strategies. Brown provides a detailed exploration of how this system functioned and the dynamic process of circulating well-trained NCOs across operational forces, reinforcement pools, and training systems. The main theme concentrates on the indispensable position of NCOs and how they contributed to the training, leadership, and overall success of the Canadian army in different battle areas.

Writing Style and Tone

Andrew L. Brown approaches the subject with an engaging and analytical tone, ensuring that complex military strategies and systems are accessible to both military enthusiasts and general readers. His writing is precise and well-researched, reflecting a significant depth of knowledge about the era and the intricacies of military training programs. Brown presents his arguments clearly, supported by relevant historical data and anecdotes that enrich the narrative. The tone is informative yet compelling, maintaining the reader’s interest throughout the book.

Brief Summary

Building the Army’s Backbone presents a detailed chronicle of the expansion and evolution of the Canadian army's NCOs during World War II. With the onset of war in 1939, Canada faced the challenge of rapidly expanding its small army into a formidable force. The book illustrates how the senior leadership tackled this challenge by instituting a comprehensive NCO training system that served as the backbone for the growing army. Brown vividly describes the dual-track approach to NCO production along with the strategies employed to ensure cohesion and effectiveness in training and battlefield engagements. This historical account highlights the significance of NCOs in achieving military objectives during the war.