Overshadowed: The Untold History of the American Military Advisor

Since the 19th century, American combat advisors—warrior-diplomats—often working quietly in the shadow of larger operations, have shaped America’s wars. This narrative explores U.S. conflicts through the lens of the advisor, offering a cohesive historical account where few exist. From the world wars and Korea through Vietnam, where Lieutenant Colonel Arthur “Bull” Simons advised the Royal Lao Army during Operation White Star, and to 21st-century Afghanistan, where advisors embedded with Afghan National Army and Police units to build partner capacity, the book highlights the wide scope and strategic value of this role.The final section draws on these historical lessons to offer a forward-looking, apolitical policy recommendation. In an era of great power competition, the book argues that small U.S. advisor teams—operating by, with, and through partner forces—should be central to U.S. military and political strategy. Examples such as the Security Force Assistance Brigade advising across Africa to several Military Assistance Groups across the Indo-Pacific illustrate ongoing efforts that should inform future priorities. This is not just a historical survey, but a call to recognize and elevate the role of advisors in contemporary and future conflict.