July 23, 2025

Book Review: Fighting by Minutes: Time and the Art of War By Robert R. Leonhard

Lt. Col. (Ret.) Robert Leonhard’s Fighting by Minutes: Time and the Art of War offers a compelling exploration of the critical role that time plays in military strategy and operations, making it an essential read for Army Special Operations Forces (ARSOF). The book’s core thesis emphasizes that mastery of time—how it is measured, how it is managed, and how it can be applied strategically—is paramount in achieving battlefield success. Leonhard masterfully ties together historical and contemporary examples to demonstrate that the effective use of time can make the difference between defeat and victory. As ARSOF units operate in complex, ambiguous environments where rapid adaptation is key, Leonhard’s insights provide invaluable guidance on the integration of time as a warfighting variable.