Practise to Deceive: Learning Curves of Military Deception Planners

Written by the undisputed dean of U.S. denial and deception experts, Practise to Deceive is the most in-depth look at deception as a military strategy. Barton Whaley knew the history of denial and deception across time, disciplines, and culture. He was the foremost authority on the intricacies of denial and deception strategy and tactics. For Whaley, deception was a mind-game, requiring imagination, deep critical thought, a profound understanding of the enemy as well as one's self (a variation of Sun Tzu), and patience and fortitude. This book presents 88 vividly descriptive case studies to serve as a handbook for intelligence and military professionals. In Whaley's analysis, variations in guilefulness between opposing individuals or groups can be crucial in deciding who achieves victory in combat. Review 'Barton Whaley’s Practise to Deceive, a posthumously published work is a valuable resource that will aid the deception planner through discussion and analysis of 88 case studies. If the old Chinese General Sun Tzu was right and ‘all warfare is based on deception,’ then Whaley has provided a study that will aid future commanders and staff officers to develop plans that win wars.' ―The Strategy Bridge.com 'This enjoyable guide to the more mischievous side of military history will have enduring value for instructional purposes―and also as a tribute to one of the great students of the subject.' -Foreign Affairs About the Author Barton Whaley received his bachelor of arts in Chinese studies from the University of California, Berkeley, USA before serving with the intelligence section of U.S. Army Psychological Warfare headquartered in Tokyo during the Korean War. Following the war, he attended London University School of Oriental and African Studies before receiving his PhD at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He was affiliated with the Department of Defense Analysis at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, and worked for the director of National Security's Foreign Denial and Deception Committee of the Director of National Intelligence. He passed away in 2013.