Over time, warfare has evolved from primitive conflicts to complex, organized endeavors, heavily influenced by technological advancements. From early weaponry like swords to modern innovations such as  drones and cyber warfare, technology has continued to shape military strategies and tactics. The manipulation of the internet and emerging technologies like  drones, missile shields, and hacking are shaping modern warfare, emphasizing the importance of technological superiority in military operations.

This class is for the Military History enthusiast who wants to delve deep into weapon development and it impact on doctrine, tactics and strategy. 

Students are welcome to drop in anytime to discover new topics under discussion. 

The historical categorization of weaponry into these eight distinct families offers a comprehensive overview of the evolution and diversity of military technology. Here’s a more detailed look at each category and the proposed schedule:

Week of 1 November 1. Artillery
Cannon and Howitzers: These are large-caliber guns used to fire shells over long distances. They are essential for bombarding enemy positions from a distance and for supporting ground troops.
Week of 8 November 2. Anti-Aircraft Guns: Designed to target and destroy enemy aircraft, these guns are crucial for air defense.
Week of 15 November 3. Shells: Various types of explosive projectiles used in artillery, including high-explosive, armor-piercing, and fragmentation shells.
Week of 22 November 4. Handheld Weapons
Week of 29 November 5. Axes and Swords: Early melee weapons used in close combat.
Pikes and Halberds: Long-handled weapons that provide reach and leverage in battle.
Week of 5 December 6. Bayonets: Attached to rifles for close-quarters combat.
Week of 13 December 7. Modern weapons used in terrorist attacks, designed to cause maximum damage in confined areas.
Week of 20 December 8. Handheld Projectiles
Longbows and Crossbows: Medieval ranged weapons that revolutionized archery.
Week of 27 December 9. Muskets and Rifles: Firearms that changed the nature of infantry combat with their range and firepower.
Week of 4 January 10. Flamethrowers: Devices that project fire onto enemy positions.
Week of 11 January 11. Machine-Guns: Fully automatic firearms that deliver sustained firepower.
Week of 18 January 12. Grenades and Rocket-Propelled Grenades (RPGs): Explosive devices thrown or launched to inflict damage.
Week of 25 January 13. Bazookas: Shoulder-fired anti-tank rocket launchers.
The topics below will also follow per weekly meeting. Some above may extend beyond due to discussion in class. 

14. Missiles
Roman Ballistae and Greek Fire: Early missile weapons and incendiaries.
Torpedoes: Underwater missiles designed to target ships and submarines.
V-Weapons: German World War II rockets and missiles like the V-1 and V-2.
SCUDs and Sidewinders: Tactical and air-to-air missiles from the Cold War era.
Exocets and Tomahawks: Modern anti-ship and cruise missiles with advanced guidance systems.
Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs): Long-range missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads across continents.
15. Land Armor
Siege-Trains: Armored vehicles used in medieval sieges to breach fortifications.
Heavy-Armored Cavalry: Knights and other heavily armored cavalry used in battles.
Tracked Vehicles (Tanks): Mechanized armor that revolutionized ground warfare with its mobility and firepower.
16. Seaborne
Triremes: Ancient Greek warships with three rows of oars.
Ships of the Line: Large naval ships used in line-of-battle tactics during the age of sail.
Submarines: Underwater vessels capable of stealth attacks and extended patrols.
Dreadnoughts and Cruisers: Early 20th-century battleships and fast warships with heavy guns and armor.
Aircraft Carriers: Ships designed to carry and launch aircraft, essential for modern naval power projection.
17. Airborne
Zeppelins: Large airships used for reconnaissance and bombing in World War I.
Fighter Planes and Bombers: Aircraft designed for air superiority and strategic bombing.
Poison Gas: Chemical weapons used in World War I to cause mass casualties.
Helicopters: Versatile aircraft for transport, reconnaissance, and close air support.
18. Jet Fighters: High-speed aircraft with advanced maneuverability.
Stealth Bombers: Aircraft designed to evade radar detection.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs): Drones used for reconnaissance, surveillance, and targeted strikes.

Each category represents a significant leap in military technology and strategy, reflecting the ongoing pursuit of distance and effectiveness in warfare. From the early days of thrown rocks to the sophisticated technologies of today, these weapons showcase humanity's ingenuity and adaptability in the quest for dominance and security.