G-2: Intelligence for Patton: Intelligence for Patton (Schiffer Military History Book)

The author of the book goes into great detail about the necessity of gathering intelligence well ahead of advance of attacking an enemy force. What options of attack, and what options the enemy has. Patton makes the decisions on options and troop movements. Well written book.

This book is a must read for all officers aspiring for command. I loved that it demonstrated the close relationship between Patton and his staff. He certainly recognized the value that each brought to the table. Intelligence is the life blood of battle plans and Brig. Gen. Koch demonstrated that time and again. Loyalty, diligence and attention to detail by his staff and soldiers gave Gen. Patton the edge in battle.

General Oscar Koch’s “G-2: Intelligence for Patton” is a short recounting of General Koch’s time as Patton’s intelligence chief on the Seventh and Third Army staffs in World War II.This is a thin, cursory work (only about 150 pages). While most of the book is too cursory to be of much use, he does have some interesting insights, details, and anecdotes. Koch spends over 25+ pages highlighting the Third Army’s identification of the German buildup of forces before the Battle of the Bulge. He also describes how Third Army discounted the rumors of the “Alpine Redoubt” by properly analyzing the intelligence, while the rest of the American and British Armies accepted its existence.This book was written and published before the ULTRA intercepts were declassified and publicized, so we don’t get Koch’s insight into that intelligence bonanza.While a bit sterile and emotionless, this book is good for primary research and would be of interest for anyone wanting an insider’s look at Patton. Finally, because Koch ends the book with his explanations of how his intelligence staff worked, this book is also for anyone involved in or interested in military intelligence.

BG Koch's book is far too brief, but Patton died too soon and info was too sensitive to reveal the radar, code breaking break throughs, and HUMINT collection, showing the strength of Koch's intelligence mill.

Rarely has there been a book that addresses combat intelligence the way it was also taught in the US Army Intelligence School during Vietnam. Terms such as EEI and the Intelligence Cycle are shown as they were applied during WWII in various commands that COL Koch further developed as Patton's G-2.While there is no specific mention of ULTRA in the book, it is implied and the book specifically mentions Signal intelligence being an attached asset, operating through the signal officer.As an intelligence analyst for 12 years (including a tour in Vietnam), I carried FM 30-5 (Combat Intelligence) at every assignment. I think this should be required reading at the Intelligence School today.

Vert interesting how Patton continuously accomplished his mission. Really enjoyed it.

A terrific book that every student of history, military officer and Intelligence professional should read and study. Brigadier General Koch provides both an education on the art of Operational intelligence and on the importance of the relationship between a senior military commander and his intelligence officer.

Very interesting memoir and professional comment from a well positioned officer. Especially interesting as the intelligence profession at this level of command is not very often explained like this.Recommended both for the casual reader as for the serious student and military professionals.