“This work is highly readable and provides a comprehensive examination of a lesser-known area of World War II. It would be an excellent addition to the library of any historian or student with an interest [in] the subject.” —LTC (Retired) Jesse McIntyre III, Infantry“A masterful study of how militaries and nations prepare for large-scale conventional war by training their forces and allocating resources to meet what they envision as the future character of war.” —Richard S. Faulkner, Army History

"Lauer's mastery of his subject is unrivaled. His book should be required reading for anyone with an interest in the training and development of infantry soldiers.” —David J. Furness, US Marine Corps Lieutenant General

"A landmark study.... Drawing on newly available sources, Stephen Lauer unpacks the factors that influenced the creation of World War II infantries and sustained them in the crucible of close combat."—Chris Marsh, Joint Special Operations University

It has long been accepted wisdom that Germany's infantrymen possessed superior tactical ability relative to their Anglo-American adversaries in World War II. Now, drawing on newly available information, Stephen Lauer unpacks that assumption, exploring the conscription, classification, and training methods of the US, British, and German infantries from 1919 through 1945.

How did conscripted citizens become foot soldiers willing to fight, and even die, for each other in the face of brutal physical and mental demands? How was it decided which men to assign to combat units? How did each nation engender the social bonds that were essential if soldiers were to succeed—and survive—in their small unit milieus? Addressing these questions of manpower quality, Forging the Anvil is a landmark study of the key factors that influenced the creation of World War II infantries and sustained them in the crucible of close combat.