In its Preface (written at New Delhi, 10 Dec. 1946), the author, Lt. Col. D.K. Palit, says at the outset: "My object in writing this book has been to stimulate the junior officer's interest in military study. With this object in view, I have endeavoured to include in one small volume all the rudiments of military knowledge which are essential in forming a background for the objective study of warfare."