8801: Theory and Nature of War

Client: United States Marine Corps
Project: The Theory and Nature of War

View Samples of Lesson Content

Traditionally, the United States Marine Corps (USMC) has used Marine Corps University in Quantico, VA, for the continuing training and development of its officers. But that meant the cost, dislocation, and difficulty of shipping home personnel from around the world, often for months at a time.

Working with a professor of military history, PenBay Media created an innovative distance-learning program for the USMC, called "The Theory and Nature of War". It’s a 30-hour online course divided into 12 lessons, ranging from the classical theories of Clausewitz and Sun Tzu to battles and engagements of the Medieval, Napoleonic, Civil War, and Modern eras.

What does "The Theory and Nature of War" look and sound like? It’s a rich, absorbing tapestry of maps, animation, music, narration, vintage photographs, videos, and text.

The users – in this case, field grade and senior officers – can delve deep into any one of the 12 lessons, using the self-paced process and quizzes to acquire a lasting knowledge of the material.

The USMC has been extremely pleased with the final product.