For The Common Defense by Millet and Maslowski tells the story of American History focusing on the military struggles of the country from the early days of the original colonies to modern times. It is a long book, clocking in at over 700 pages but it tells the story well and from a number of perspectives.

It is described by some as a non-political telling of the constant struggle that the military has had in not only defending but expanding the country over the centuries.  Its strength is in the narrative which with a subject like this could easily fall into a passionate recital of facts and figures, this book does not do that. In fact one of the biggest strengths is that it shows how regardless of the time or political climate the challenges of the military have pretty much been the same even and that even as technology and borders changed the military continually rises to the challenge as best it can.

This book would be classified as a good baseline and most useful as a general overview. Considering the scope of the subject it does not dwell deep into any one particular war or era. That is not a knock just something to keep in mind. All in all a very good book that covers its subject well and is a great addition to any library.