May 2013
Back to reality
The American Army is an organization in search of a strategic purpose. American conventional involvement in the war in Afghanistan is drawing to a close, the security establishment has rejected armed nation-building as a viable national strategy, and the projection of military power seems to take the form of drones and air support to local proxies. Simultaneously, the withdrawal from land wars in the Middle East and the...
Back to reality
The American Army is an organization in search of a strategic purpose. American conventional involvement in the war in Afghanistan is drawing to a close, the security establishment has rejected armed nation-building as a viable national strategy, and the projection of military power seems to take the form of drones and air support to local proxies. Simultaneously, the withdrawal from land wars in the Middle East and the...
April 2013
Help others, help ourselves
The Army, with its long history of security force assistance to Pacific Rim nations and a wealth of new knowledge born of war in the Middle East, should improve and increase SFA operations as part of the nation’s strategic rebalance to the Pacific. Such missions allow the Army to build partner nation capacity while honing its own readiness, an efficient approach well-suited to today’s fiscal and strategic...
Help others, help ourselves
The Army, with its long history of security force assistance to Pacific Rim nations and a wealth of new knowledge born of war in the Middle East, should improve and increase SFA operations as part of the nation’s strategic rebalance to the Pacific. Such missions allow the Army to build partner nation capacity while honing its own readiness, an efficient approach well-suited to today’s fiscal and strategic...
March 2013
Rebuilding the Army — again
By 1973, when the last U.S. troops departed Vietnam, the Army was close to collapse. Widespread opposition to the war, indiscipline in the ranks and conversion from the draft to an all-volunteer force were daunting-enough challenges, but additionally, the Army’s share of the defense budget was dropping like a stone. And even worse, by 1975 the Army was outclassed by its most likely enemy. Soviet forces on the other...
Rebuilding the Army — again
By 1973, when the last U.S. troops departed Vietnam, the Army was close to collapse. Widespread opposition to the war, indiscipline in the ranks and conversion from the draft to an all-volunteer force were daunting-enough challenges, but additionally, the Army’s share of the defense budget was dropping like a stone. And even worse, by 1975 the Army was outclassed by its most likely enemy. Soviet forces on the other...
January 2013
Naval power and the future of assured access
The Joint Operational Access Concept, which describes how the U.S. military will approach anti-access and area-denial challenges, identifies three trends that require a joint force solution: the growth of anti-access and area-denial capabilities around the globe, the changing U.S. overseas defense posture, and the emergence of space and cyberspace as contested domains.
Naval power and the future of assured access
The Joint Operational Access Concept, which describes how the U.S. military will approach anti-access and area-denial challenges, identifies three trends that require a joint force solution: the growth of anti-access and area-denial capabilities around the globe, the changing U.S. overseas defense posture, and the emergence of space and cyberspace as contested domains.
December 2012
When the network dies
Unprepared soldiers are ineffective soldiers, and the rise of the networked battle space has made this ancient wisdom no less true.
When the network dies
Unprepared soldiers are ineffective soldiers, and the rise of the networked battle space has made this ancient wisdom no less true.
November 2012
Unloved aerial vehicles
In early 2011, then-Defense Secretary Robert Gates warned that the Air Force, which had bowed to pressure to fly more unmanned aircraft, might revert to its Cold War-era focus on manned fighters and bombers. “The view still lingers in some corners that, once I depart as secretary and once U.S. forces draw down from Iraq and Afghanistan ... things can get back to what some consider to be [the] real Air Force...
Unloved aerial vehicles
In early 2011, then-Defense Secretary Robert Gates warned that the Air Force, which had bowed to pressure to fly more unmanned aircraft, might revert to its Cold War-era focus on manned fighters and bombers. “The view still lingers in some corners that, once I depart as secretary and once U.S. forces draw down from Iraq and Afghanistan ... things can get back to what some consider to be [the] real Air Force...
October 2012
Five imperatives for an Army in transition
The Army finds itself in a period of profound organizational, operational and fiscal transition. How shall it process the campaigns of the past decade, which defined a generation of officers and noncommissioned officers; codify lessons; and prepare for the future?
Five imperatives for an Army in transition
The Army finds itself in a period of profound organizational, operational and fiscal transition. How shall it process the campaigns of the past decade, which defined a generation of officers and noncommissioned officers; codify lessons; and prepare for the future?
September 2012
The Case for Optionally Manned Aircraft
Purely manned or purely unmanned aircraft possess various inherent advantages and limitations. A manned aircraft can be used in contested environments where command-and-control is limited, autonomy is required, or policy restrictions exist. An unmanned aircraft has no aircrew to limit its range and endurance, nor to place at risk of loss or capture.
The Case for Optionally Manned Aircraft
Purely manned or purely unmanned aircraft possess various inherent advantages and limitations. A manned aircraft can be used in contested environments where command-and-control is limited, autonomy is required, or policy restrictions exist. An unmanned aircraft has no aircrew to limit its range and endurance, nor to place at risk of loss or capture.
July 2012
Mixed messages on drone strikes
Over the past two years, prominent officials in the Obama administration — most of them high-ranking lawyers — have offered public defenses and rationales for the so-called “targeted killing” program carried out predominantly with unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones.
Mixed messages on drone strikes
Over the past two years, prominent officials in the Obama administration — most of them high-ranking lawyers — have offered public defenses and rationales for the so-called “targeted killing” program carried out predominantly with unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones.
June 2012
Air-Sea Battle: Clearing the fog
Recent articles about Air-Sea Battle reflect misperceptions about this new operational concept. These may have been fostered by the fact that portions of the concept document are classified. In any event, we — the service leads in the multiservice ASB office — would like to correct them.
Air-Sea Battle: Clearing the fog
Recent articles about Air-Sea Battle reflect misperceptions about this new operational concept. These may have been fostered by the fact that portions of the concept document are classified. In any event, we — the service leads in the multiservice ASB office — would like to correct them.
May 2012
Reforms don’t go far enough
Ordered to reduce spending by $487 billion over the next decade, the Defense Department responded with a 2013 budget proposal that would lower end strength, kill acquisition programs and adjust force postures. Yet the most telling sign of the budget strictures is the department’s willingness to undertake reforms on one of the most controversial and costly programs: military compensation.
Reforms don’t go far enough
Ordered to reduce spending by $487 billion over the next decade, the Defense Department responded with a 2013 budget proposal that would lower end strength, kill acquisition programs and adjust force postures. Yet the most telling sign of the budget strictures is the department’s willingness to undertake reforms on one of the most controversial and costly programs: military compensation.
April 2012
A better way to fight IEDs
Just as you would not expect a sniper to engage the enemy while blindfolded, we should not expect forces fighting improvised explosive device forces to attack bomb-building networks in the blind.
A better way to fight IEDs
Just as you would not expect a sniper to engage the enemy while blindfolded, we should not expect forces fighting improvised explosive device forces to attack bomb-building networks in the blind.
March 2012
Know thy enemy’s weapons
It’s time the Army started providing soldiers with formal training on the foreign weapons most commonly used either by the enemy or by friendly host-nation military and police forces. Nearly every conflict in which the Army has participated — including present-day operations in Afghanistan, Iraq and Africa — has included some mission requiring soldiers to train host-nation forces. Yet we as an Army fail...
Know thy enemy’s weapons
It’s time the Army started providing soldiers with formal training on the foreign weapons most commonly used either by the enemy or by friendly host-nation military and police forces. Nearly every conflict in which the Army has participated — including present-day operations in Afghanistan, Iraq and Africa — has included some mission requiring soldiers to train host-nation forces. Yet we as an Army fail...
February 2012
A new principle of war
Reflecting revered assumptions and long-standing paradigms, The Principles of War are a list of tenets enshrined since 1949 in the Army’s Field Manual 3-0 “Operations” and more recently in other service and joint doctrines. These foundations — Mass, Maneuver, Unity of Command, and the rest — have stood largely pat for a half-century. That reflects their enduring utility, yet is prima facie...
A new principle of war
Reflecting revered assumptions and long-standing paradigms, The Principles of War are a list of tenets enshrined since 1949 in the Army’s Field Manual 3-0 “Operations” and more recently in other service and joint doctrines. These foundations — Mass, Maneuver, Unity of Command, and the rest — have stood largely pat for a half-century. That reflects their enduring utility, yet is prima facie...
December 2011
Unready to stop UAVs
America’s wars of the last decade have vaulted the UAV from novelty to workhorse. Yet too little is being done to prepare for the inevitable day when our enemies turn these weapons, which are growing cheaper, more powerful and more ubiquitous, against us.
Unready to stop UAVs
America’s wars of the last decade have vaulted the UAV from novelty to workhorse. Yet too little is being done to prepare for the inevitable day when our enemies turn these weapons, which are growing cheaper, more powerful and more ubiquitous, against us.
November 2011
Lessons from Rhino LZ
Shortly after 9 p.m. on Dec. 6, 2001, machine-gun fire erupted on the perimeter of Camp Rhino, Afghanistan. Capt. Mike Flatten, an Air Force officer from the 21st Special Tactics Squadron, lay in his one-man tent, too exhausted to move. The senior airfield authority, Flatten had been awake for nearly 24 hours, orchestrating hundreds of sorties through the landing zone (LZ), enabling Naval Task Force 58 (TF 58) to amass...
Lessons from Rhino LZ
Shortly after 9 p.m. on Dec. 6, 2001, machine-gun fire erupted on the perimeter of Camp Rhino, Afghanistan. Capt. Mike Flatten, an Air Force officer from the 21st Special Tactics Squadron, lay in his one-man tent, too exhausted to move. The senior airfield authority, Flatten had been awake for nearly 24 hours, orchestrating hundreds of sorties through the landing zone (LZ), enabling Naval Task Force 58 (TF 58) to amass...
October 2011
Getting there is half the battle
Strategic, operational and tactical mobility for U.S. ground forces presents problems more fundamental than any anti-access and area denial efforts by our adversaries.
Getting there is half the battle
Strategic, operational and tactical mobility for U.S. ground forces presents problems more fundamental than any anti-access and area denial efforts by our adversaries.
September 2011
Projecting power
Defense analysts periodically propose a mix of nuclear and conventionally powered submarines to increase U.S. undersea force structure. They argue that conventional submarines (SSKs) are so affordable the U.S. could acquire multiple boats for the price of a single nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN). In an era of declining fleets and looming budget cuts, that sounds appealing. However, despite increasing capability,...
Projecting power
Defense analysts periodically propose a mix of nuclear and conventionally powered submarines to increase U.S. undersea force structure. They argue that conventional submarines (SSKs) are so affordable the U.S. could acquire multiple boats for the price of a single nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN). In an era of declining fleets and looming budget cuts, that sounds appealing. However, despite increasing capability,...
August 2011
On the eve of Afghanization
The war in Afghanistan is at an inflection point. The U.S., its coalition partners and the Afghan government have decided that, by December 2014, the Afghan armed forces will take the lead on security nationwide. The NATO nations have also decided that, while the expeditionary force will leave Afghanistan, the 33-nation NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan (NTM-A) will remain as part of an enduring partnership. We are on the...
On the eve of Afghanization
The war in Afghanistan is at an inflection point. The U.S., its coalition partners and the Afghan government have decided that, by December 2014, the Afghan armed forces will take the lead on security nationwide. The NATO nations have also decided that, while the expeditionary force will leave Afghanistan, the 33-nation NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan (NTM-A) will remain as part of an enduring partnership. We are on the...
June 2011
Contract terms
In Iraq and Afghanistan, the use of contractors reached a level unprecedented in U.S. military operations. The presence of contractors on the battlefield is not a new phenomenon, but has increased from the ratio of 1 contractor to 55 military personnel in Vietnam to 1:1 in Iraq and 1:1.42 in Afghanistan. This increase is rooted in a series of decisions going back decades, but the immediate, unanticipated need for large...
Contract terms
In Iraq and Afghanistan, the use of contractors reached a level unprecedented in U.S. military operations. The presence of contractors on the battlefield is not a new phenomenon, but has increased from the ratio of 1 contractor to 55 military personnel in Vietnam to 1:1 in Iraq and 1:1.42 in Afghanistan. This increase is rooted in a series of decisions going back decades, but the immediate, unanticipated need for large...
May 2011
The impact of a decade at war
It would be easy to discount the conjecture that the Army is in trouble. After all, it is unmatched as a fighting force and successfully conducted military operations that achieved regime change in two countries in the space of 18 months. Total U.S. military spending averaged nearly $720 billion over the past four years and exceeded 46 percent of global defense spending in 2009. Moreover, the $6.73 trillion spent by the...
The impact of a decade at war
It would be easy to discount the conjecture that the Army is in trouble. After all, it is unmatched as a fighting force and successfully conducted military operations that achieved regime change in two countries in the space of 18 months. Total U.S. military spending averaged nearly $720 billion over the past four years and exceeded 46 percent of global defense spending in 2009. Moreover, the $6.73 trillion spent by the...
April 2011
Developing better relations
The Obama administration has made improving relations with Russia one of its main foreign policy goals and its efforts have borne fruit and put U.S.-Russia relations on a positive footing for the future. For its part, NATO has re-engaged in a concentrated effort to improve relations with Russia since NATO-Russia Council meetings were suspended in 2008 following Russia’s military action in Georgia.
Developing better relations
The Obama administration has made improving relations with Russia one of its main foreign policy goals and its efforts have borne fruit and put U.S.-Russia relations on a positive footing for the future. For its part, NATO has re-engaged in a concentrated effort to improve relations with Russia since NATO-Russia Council meetings were suspended in 2008 following Russia’s military action in Georgia.
February 2011
Building critical thinkers
Throughout our long history, the Army has developed capable and prominent strategic leaders. We pride ourselves in the long line of strategic leaders who have served this great Army and our beloved nation through its highs, its lows and everything in between for 235 years. To preserve this great legacy, it is our obligation to “keep first things first” and ensure leader development remains our first and...
Building critical thinkers
Throughout our long history, the Army has developed capable and prominent strategic leaders. We pride ourselves in the long line of strategic leaders who have served this great Army and our beloved nation through its highs, its lows and everything in between for 235 years. To preserve this great legacy, it is our obligation to “keep first things first” and ensure leader development remains our first and...
December 2010
Tough times
The days of British military power appear to be ending” Max Boot lamented in the Wall Street Journal. Another columnist at The Economist weighed in that Great Britain is at best managing its “relative decline
Tough times
The days of British military power appear to be ending” Max Boot lamented in the Wall Street Journal. Another columnist at The Economist weighed in that Great Britain is at best managing its “relative decline
November 2010
A post-petroleum era
To guarantee that we can fuel the armed forces for tomorrow’s challenges, the Defense Department must design a strategy now to ensure that it can operate all of its systems on nonpetroleum fuels by 2040.
A post-petroleum era
To guarantee that we can fuel the armed forces for tomorrow’s challenges, the Defense Department must design a strategy now to ensure that it can operate all of its systems on nonpetroleum fuels by 2040.
October 2010
Small unit dominance
Slightly more than 40 years ago my unit was butchered by elements from the North Vietnamese 29th Regiment at a mountaintop firebase overlooking the A Shau Valley. Nineteen of my 55 soldiers were killed or wounded severely enough to warrant evacuation. The loss was mainly my fault. I wasn’t new at the job. This was my fourth command so I thought I knew what I was doing. A much smarter and better trained and equipped...
Small unit dominance
Slightly more than 40 years ago my unit was butchered by elements from the North Vietnamese 29th Regiment at a mountaintop firebase overlooking the A Shau Valley. Nineteen of my 55 soldiers were killed or wounded severely enough to warrant evacuation. The loss was mainly my fault. I wasn’t new at the job. This was my fourth command so I thought I knew what I was doing. A much smarter and better trained and equipped...
September 2010
China’s naval ambitions
The U.S. maritime strategy charges the naval services to develop “cultural, historical, and linguistic expertise ... to nurture effective interaction with diverse international partners.” Unquestionably, no nation demands this expertise more than the People’s Republic of China. Its sheer size and pace of growth, coupled with a strategic stance that is often divergent from ours, demands attention,...
China’s naval ambitions
The U.S. maritime strategy charges the naval services to develop “cultural, historical, and linguistic expertise ... to nurture effective interaction with diverse international partners.” Unquestionably, no nation demands this expertise more than the People’s Republic of China. Its sheer size and pace of growth, coupled with a strategic stance that is often divergent from ours, demands attention,...
August 2010
Why we need the F-35
The size, scope and technological firsts of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program make it a game-changer for tactical aviation and for the U.S. tactical aircraft industrial base.
Why we need the F-35
The size, scope and technological firsts of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program make it a game-changer for tactical aviation and for the U.S. tactical aircraft industrial base.
June 2010
Cyberspace policies we need
The U.S. government has very limited national-level experience, knowledge or policy guidance for fighting a netwar across the cyberspace domain at the national level. It is difficult for policymakers to envision cyberwarfare because history lacks experience in cyber conflict. The government has no past to learn from, much less envision how a national-level conflict would be fought.
Cyberspace policies we need
The U.S. government has very limited national-level experience, knowledge or policy guidance for fighting a netwar across the cyberspace domain at the national level. It is difficult for policymakers to envision cyberwarfare because history lacks experience in cyber conflict. The government has no past to learn from, much less envision how a national-level conflict would be fought.
May 2010
Deep dive
Decreasing funds and increasing missions have put the Navy’s submarine force in deep trouble — and it’s sinking fast. Lawmakers and strategists agree that the Navy’s plan to reduce its attack submarine fleet by 15 percent will render it unable to meet critical requirements. The planned replacement of 14 ballistic missile subs with 12 new $7 billion Tridents will cut shipbuilding by half for 14...
Deep dive
Decreasing funds and increasing missions have put the Navy’s submarine force in deep trouble — and it’s sinking fast. Lawmakers and strategists agree that the Navy’s plan to reduce its attack submarine fleet by 15 percent will render it unable to meet critical requirements. The planned replacement of 14 ballistic missile subs with 12 new $7 billion Tridents will cut shipbuilding by half for 14...
March 2010
Ice breaker
While the science community debates whether global warming is fact or fraud, this much is certain: The Navy will soon sail uncharted waters — and it won’t be a pleasure cruise.
Ice breaker
While the science community debates whether global warming is fact or fraud, this much is certain: The Navy will soon sail uncharted waters — and it won’t be a pleasure cruise.
February 2010
The Founders’ wisdom
The U.S. faces a number of difficult challenges in civil-military relations that carry with them profound effects on our national security. Among these issues are declining popular support for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, growing isolation between the U.S. military and the society it serves, and unresolved disputes over the limits of executive authority. However difficult these problems may be, they are neither...
The Founders’ wisdom
The U.S. faces a number of difficult challenges in civil-military relations that carry with them profound effects on our national security. Among these issues are declining popular support for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, growing isolation between the U.S. military and the society it serves, and unresolved disputes over the limits of executive authority. However difficult these problems may be, they are neither...
December 2009
A vehicle for modern times
The Army leadership will soon restart its stillborn effort to develop and produce a new family of fighting vehicles. More is at stake than just beginning another weapons-buying program. The design and building of the Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV) follow-on to the aborted flagship component of the Future Combat Systems (FCS) will be the centerpiece of ground force modernization. The design and performance of the GCV will...
A vehicle for modern times
The Army leadership will soon restart its stillborn effort to develop and produce a new family of fighting vehicles. More is at stake than just beginning another weapons-buying program. The design and building of the Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV) follow-on to the aborted flagship component of the Future Combat Systems (FCS) will be the centerpiece of ground force modernization. The design and performance of the GCV will...
November 2009
Agonizing over Afghanistan
Ten weeks into his presidency, Barack Obama announced his “comprehensive strategy” for Afghanistan.
Agonizing over Afghanistan
Ten weeks into his presidency, Barack Obama announced his “comprehensive strategy” for Afghanistan.
October 2009
Hybrid vs. compound war
Over the past two years, the hybrid threat construct has found some traction. It appears in official government reports and has been cited by the defense secretary in articles and speeches. In addition, it was referred to in the new Joint Capstone Concept for Joint Operations, in Joint Forces Command’s Joint Operational Environment 2008 and in the latest Maritime Strategy.
Hybrid vs. compound war
Over the past two years, the hybrid threat construct has found some traction. It appears in official government reports and has been cited by the defense secretary in articles and speeches. In addition, it was referred to in the new Joint Capstone Concept for Joint Operations, in Joint Forces Command’s Joint Operational Environment 2008 and in the latest Maritime Strategy.
September 2009
Defending the new Silk Road
The Internet of today is not the Internet of years past. It is an evolving entity that has a taken on a life of its own. When most Americans refer to the Internet, they refer to a mythic entity that has Web sites such as www.armedforcesjournal.com, applications such as Twitter and wikis, ubiquitous connections to personal computers and handheld devices, and that is searchable by entering terms in a form field. Many...
Defending the new Silk Road
The Internet of today is not the Internet of years past. It is an evolving entity that has a taken on a life of its own. When most Americans refer to the Internet, they refer to a mythic entity that has Web sites such as www.armedforcesjournal.com, applications such as Twitter and wikis, ubiquitous connections to personal computers and handheld devices, and that is searchable by entering terms in a form field. Many...
July 2009
Striking a balance
We are in another post-Iraq war debate about how to best posture our military investments for the future. The 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review will center on the critical question about the evolving character of conflict. Exactly what kinds of wars are we expecting to fight, and how should we allocate scarce time and resources to maximize readiness and deterrence while minimizing risk? The not-so-subtle groundswell of...
Striking a balance
We are in another post-Iraq war debate about how to best posture our military investments for the future. The 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review will center on the critical question about the evolving character of conflict. Exactly what kinds of wars are we expecting to fight, and how should we allocate scarce time and resources to maximize readiness and deterrence while minimizing risk? The not-so-subtle groundswell of...
June 2009
Unmanned and nuclear
In the wake of the August 2007 incident in which six air-launched cruise missiles armed with nuclear warheads were mistakenly flown from Minot Air Force Base, N.D., to Barksdale Air Force Base, La., and the August 2006 incident — acknowledged in March 2008 — that saw top-secret nuclear fuses mistakenly shipped to Taiwan as battery packs for UH-1 Huey helicopters, Defense Secretary Robert Gates fired Air Force...
Unmanned and nuclear
In the wake of the August 2007 incident in which six air-launched cruise missiles armed with nuclear warheads were mistakenly flown from Minot Air Force Base, N.D., to Barksdale Air Force Base, La., and the August 2006 incident — acknowledged in March 2008 — that saw top-secret nuclear fuses mistakenly shipped to Taiwan as battery packs for UH-1 Huey helicopters, Defense Secretary Robert Gates fired Air Force...
May 2009
A deterrence we need
Claiming freedom from the ideologically driven policies of the recent past, the Obama administration has promised a “new pragmatic approach” to everything from the economy to national defense, including U.S. deterrence strategy. This implies a strategic view that embraces the old notion of politics being the art of the possible — a return to negotiation and compromise in solving the nation’s...
A deterrence we need
Claiming freedom from the ideologically driven policies of the recent past, the Obama administration has promised a “new pragmatic approach” to everything from the economy to national defense, including U.S. deterrence strategy. This implies a strategic view that embraces the old notion of politics being the art of the possible — a return to negotiation and compromise in solving the nation’s...
April 2009
Refusing battle
“Sir, I am deeply concerned about Iraq. The task you have given me is becoming really impossible ... if they (Sunni and Shiite) are not prepared to urge us to stay and to co-operate in every manner I would actually clear out. ... At present we are paying eight millions a year for the privilege of living on an ungrateful volcano out of which we are in no circumstances to get anything worth having.”
Refusing battle
“Sir, I am deeply concerned about Iraq. The task you have given me is becoming really impossible ... if they (Sunni and Shiite) are not prepared to urge us to stay and to co-operate in every manner I would actually clear out. ... At present we are paying eight millions a year for the privilege of living on an ungrateful volcano out of which we are in no circumstances to get anything worth having.”
March 2009
America’s economic decline
The U.S. has possessed the most powerful economy in the world for so long that no one can remember a time when America was not No. 1. The armed forces have been a big beneficiary of the nation’s economic success. Although Pentagon planners frequently complain about having to operate in a “fiscally constrained” environment, the U.S. accounts for nearly half of global military outlays.
America’s economic decline
The U.S. has possessed the most powerful economy in the world for so long that no one can remember a time when America was not No. 1. The armed forces have been a big beneficiary of the nation’s economic success. Although Pentagon planners frequently complain about having to operate in a “fiscally constrained” environment, the U.S. accounts for nearly half of global military outlays.
February 2009
Fighting piracy
Maritime piracy is experiencing a renaissance not seen since the period of the Barbary pirates. Last year, 111 ships were attacked off the dangerous waters of Somalia: 42 were hijacked, 815 mariners were taken hostage and the ransom paid for the release of some vessels fetched several million dollars. In response, a combination of coalition naval power and statecraft is creating new international authorities to address...
Fighting piracy
Maritime piracy is experiencing a renaissance not seen since the period of the Barbary pirates. Last year, 111 ships were attacked off the dangerous waters of Somalia: 42 were hijacked, 815 mariners were taken hostage and the ransom paid for the release of some vessels fetched several million dollars. In response, a combination of coalition naval power and statecraft is creating new international authorities to address...
January 2009
Starting over
New Year; new president; same war. This duo of articles by two of the military’s most nonconformist thinkers argues for turning current warfare wisdom on its head. Charles Dunlap Jr. proposes we forget the lessons of Iraq, or at least ensure that Iraq’s supposed lessons are thoroughly scrutinized before assuming they apply to future wars. Phillip Meilinger argues that our reliance on the old principles...
Starting over
New Year; new president; same war. This duo of articles by two of the military’s most nonconformist thinkers argues for turning current warfare wisdom on its head. Charles Dunlap Jr. proposes we forget the lessons of Iraq, or at least ensure that Iraq’s supposed lessons are thoroughly scrutinized before assuming they apply to future wars. Phillip Meilinger argues that our reliance on the old principles...
October 2008
The right defense budget
The next president must finish the 2010 defense budget, set priorities for 2011 and beyond, and conduct the next Quadrennial Defense Review — all urgent and critical tasks.
The right defense budget
The next president must finish the 2010 defense budget, set priorities for 2011 and beyond, and conduct the next Quadrennial Defense Review — all urgent and critical tasks.
September 2008
Operational reserve
America’s all-volunteer force is a precious, and heavily worked, asset. The challenge lies in how to preserve it through long conflicts. Part of the answer lies in a blended active and reserve force.
Operational reserve
America’s all-volunteer force is a precious, and heavily worked, asset. The challenge lies in how to preserve it through long conflicts. Part of the answer lies in a blended active and reserve force.
August 2008
Read different
Since the early 1990s, the defense industry has been talking about the revolutionary technological changes taking place across society. It has worked hard to ensure we know what those changes are and how they are affecting national security. Yet, the industry rarely talks about the fundamental requirement to change the way we think in order to understand the implications of the technological and social changes we face.
Read different
Since the early 1990s, the defense industry has been talking about the revolutionary technological changes taking place across society. It has worked hard to ensure we know what those changes are and how they are affecting national security. Yet, the industry rarely talks about the fundamental requirement to change the way we think in order to understand the implications of the technological and social changes we face.
June 2008
Cause for relief
We are now more than six years into a war that spans the globe. American forces are engaged on the land, from the sea and from the air, around the planet. More than 1.6 million service members have deployed into the Central Command area of responsibility, and perhaps 35 percent of them have been there more than once.
Cause for relief
We are now more than six years into a war that spans the globe. American forces are engaged on the land, from the sea and from the air, around the planet. More than 1.6 million service members have deployed into the Central Command area of responsibility, and perhaps 35 percent of them have been there more than once.
May 2008
The fuel gauge of national security
Military doctrine favors the indirect and unexpected path to decisive results, hence the prevalence of the flanking maneuver. As we are reminded nearly daily, the seemingly intractable problem of U.S. dependence on foreign oil is a pre-eminent national security threat and should warrant such a tangential military solution. Just as the military provides for the common defense, it is incumbent on Pentagon leadership to...
The fuel gauge of national security
Military doctrine favors the indirect and unexpected path to decisive results, hence the prevalence of the flanking maneuver. As we are reminded nearly daily, the seemingly intractable problem of U.S. dependence on foreign oil is a pre-eminent national security threat and should warrant such a tangential military solution. Just as the military provides for the common defense, it is incumbent on Pentagon leadership to...
April 2008
Contending with CHINA
The Defense Department’s new China Military Power Report, released in March, portrays China as a rising military power, but one whose intentions are unclear. Uncertainty over China’s future course and how that military power might be used is driving the U.S. to hedge against the unknown.
Contending with CHINA
The Defense Department’s new China Military Power Report, released in March, portrays China as a rising military power, but one whose intentions are unclear. Uncertainty over China’s future course and how that military power might be used is driving the U.S. to hedge against the unknown.
February 2008
The Air Force we want
In August, the Air Force issued a new doctrinal publication, Irregular Warfare. Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley said in his foreword to the document that air power produces asymmetric advantages which could be used in virtually every aspect of irregular warfare and the Air Force must articulate those capabilities.
The Air Force we want
In August, the Air Force issued a new doctrinal publication, Irregular Warfare. Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley said in his foreword to the document that air power produces asymmetric advantages which could be used in virtually every aspect of irregular warfare and the Air Force must articulate those capabilities.
November 2007
Robots on the battlefield
In Afghanistan and Iraq, “battle bots” are spying, patrolling, securing and even “dying” in combat. Soldiers give their scout robots names, honorary “promotions” and “Purple Hearts.”
Robots on the battlefield
In Afghanistan and Iraq, “battle bots” are spying, patrolling, securing and even “dying” in combat. Soldiers give their scout robots names, honorary “promotions” and “Purple Hearts.”
October 2007
The Army after Bush
George W. Bush’s 2000 election campaign promise to the military was “help is on the way.” But a prickly White House-Pentagon relationship and a war in which the civilian leadership too often has meddled with war-fighting opera¬tions has injured the promise. For the 44th president, there is the challenge of restoring the civil-military balance, invigorating a force brought perilously close to...
The Army after Bush
George W. Bush’s 2000 election campaign promise to the military was “help is on the way.” But a prickly White House-Pentagon relationship and a war in which the civilian leadership too often has meddled with war-fighting opera¬tions has injured the promise. For the 44th president, there is the challenge of restoring the civil-military balance, invigorating a force brought perilously close to...
September 2007
Two decades of decay
The Air Force begins its sixth decade in circumstances that aviators elsewhere might consider enviable: unrivaled for global air dominance. But that is not the way Air Force leaders view their situation. They see a decrepit air fleet in which the average aircraft is older than the average Navy warship and which is rapidly approaching a breaking point as a result of continuous use in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Two decades of decay
The Air Force begins its sixth decade in circumstances that aviators elsewhere might consider enviable: unrivaled for global air dominance. But that is not the way Air Force leaders view their situation. They see a decrepit air fleet in which the average aircraft is older than the average Navy warship and which is rapidly approaching a breaking point as a result of continuous use in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
August 2007
America’s security puzzle
Is America safer today than it was on Sept. 10, 2001? Is there a grand security strategy? To better understand these questions, AFJ assembled a round table of analysts from across the political spectrum. Richard Danzig, a Navy secretary in the Clinton administration, gives low marks to Bush-era security thinking, concluding it has made us less safe today. Johns Hopkins professor Francis Fukuyama criticizes overreactions...
America’s security puzzle
Is America safer today than it was on Sept. 10, 2001? Is there a grand security strategy? To better understand these questions, AFJ assembled a round table of analysts from across the political spectrum. Richard Danzig, a Navy secretary in the Clinton administration, gives low marks to Bush-era security thinking, concluding it has made us less safe today. Johns Hopkins professor Francis Fukuyama criticizes overreactions...
July 2007
The digital battlefield
The ever-growing access to information up and down the chain of command is changing leadership models. If information means power, then the soldier has never been more empowered. On the other hand, the digital battleground gives commanders huge scope to micromanage from afar with the tactics of the soldier, sailor or airman.
The digital battlefield
The ever-growing access to information up and down the chain of command is changing leadership models. If information means power, then the soldier has never been more empowered. On the other hand, the digital battleground gives commanders huge scope to micromanage from afar with the tactics of the soldier, sailor or airman.
June 2007
Shootdown solution
Helicopter pilots flying in the lethal environment of Iraq are faced with a dilemma — one that may prevent them from seeing the world as it is and instead lead them to see it as they’ve been told it would be.
Shootdown solution
Helicopter pilots flying in the lethal environment of Iraq are faced with a dilemma — one that may prevent them from seeing the world as it is and instead lead them to see it as they’ve been told it would be.
May 2007
Our cover story
Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of being part of the team that created the “new AFJ” is seeing the ever-growing and enthusiastic response to the mission we set: to make this a journal for discussion and debate on the great issues of war and military operations shaping our forces.
Our cover story
Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of being part of the team that created the “new AFJ” is seeing the ever-growing and enthusiastic response to the mission we set: to make this a journal for discussion and debate on the great issues of war and military operations shaping our forces.
April 2007
Sea Power
As the Navy fine-tunes its new maritime strategy, scheduled for public release this summer, the temptation is to make Sea Power 21 its foundation. But Naval War College professor Milan Vego shows why Sea Power 21 is a tactical tome, not a strategic vision. He offers instead a guide for Navy strategic thinking that would lead to total sea control.
Sea Power
As the Navy fine-tunes its new maritime strategy, scheduled for public release this summer, the temptation is to make Sea Power 21 its foundation. But Naval War College professor Milan Vego shows why Sea Power 21 is a tactical tome, not a strategic vision. He offers instead a guide for Navy strategic thinking that would lead to total sea control.
March 2007
Growing the Army
Administration proposals for end-strength increases for the Army and Marine Corps were welcome, if overdue, news for a force that is at its smallest size since the mid-1990s and that is fighting a two-front war.
Growing the Army
Administration proposals for end-strength increases for the Army and Marine Corps were welcome, if overdue, news for a force that is at its smallest size since the mid-1990s and that is fighting a two-front war.
February 2007
New strategic partners
The Bush administration’s 2004 Global Posture Review was primarily about reshaping America’s global military footprint for easier deployment in the changed geopolitical environment.
New strategic partners
The Bush administration’s 2004 Global Posture Review was primarily about reshaping America’s global military footprint for easier deployment in the changed geopolitical environment.
January 2007
Big nations, small wars
Pitch large, powerful armies against substantially smaller, weaker enemies and the result can be the David vs. Goliath effect.
Big nations, small wars
Pitch large, powerful armies against substantially smaller, weaker enemies and the result can be the David vs. Goliath effect.
November 2006
Afghanistan: What Next?
Afghanistan’s winter of discontent will throw NATO daunting challenges that extend far beyond skirmishes with the Taliban. In their thoughtful essay, Greg Mills and Terence McNamee conclude that answering the thorny question of “what to do?” in Afghanistan means tackling the challenges of nation-building head-on. For NATO, this may be a mission too far, but it’s critical nonetheless. Max Boot,...
Afghanistan: What Next?
Afghanistan’s winter of discontent will throw NATO daunting challenges that extend far beyond skirmishes with the Taliban. In their thoughtful essay, Greg Mills and Terence McNamee conclude that answering the thorny question of “what to do?” in Afghanistan means tackling the challenges of nation-building head-on. For NATO, this may be a mission too far, but it’s critical nonetheless. Max Boot,...
October 2006
The spec ops stretch
The impending expansion of Army special operations forces laid out in this year’s Quadrennial Defense Review is spreading waves of unease throughout the Special Forces community.
The spec ops stretch
The impending expansion of Army special operations forces laid out in this year’s Quadrennial Defense Review is spreading waves of unease throughout the Special Forces community.
September 2006
Air power
It is a quintessentially American way of war. Over the past decade, new technologies have seemed to further fulfill the visions of air power theorists. Yet, new adversaries have adapted. As Lt. Col. Brian Newberry writes, the service must face up to the realities of urban warfare. Loren Thompson argues that the Air Force is increasingly ill-equipped to project power at long range. Nonetheless, says Air Force Maj....
Air power
It is a quintessentially American way of war. Over the past decade, new technologies have seemed to further fulfill the visions of air power theorists. Yet, new adversaries have adapted. As Lt. Col. Brian Newberry writes, the service must face up to the realities of urban warfare. Loren Thompson argues that the Air Force is increasingly ill-equipped to project power at long range. Nonetheless, says Air Force Maj....
August 2006
America’s adventure
The struggle for Iraq is, even as the fighting continues, a struggle to shape history; how Iraq is understood and remembered may be as strategically important as any other facet of the war. The pen surely can be mightier than the sword.
America’s adventure
The struggle for Iraq is, even as the fighting continues, a struggle to shape history; how Iraq is understood and remembered may be as strategically important as any other facet of the war. The pen surely can be mightier than the sword.
July 2006
Clausewitz: Right or wrong?
It’s not an entirely egregious bit of hyperbole to say that, since the publication of Vom Kriege in 1832, all writings on the way of war have been nothing more than commentaries on Clausewitz. But it is astonishing that a single soldier’s writings — a model of both clear Kantian logic but also convoluted Kantian prose — should remain so influential for so long.
Clausewitz: Right or wrong?
It’s not an entirely egregious bit of hyperbole to say that, since the publication of Vom Kriege in 1832, all writings on the way of war have been nothing more than commentaries on Clausewitz. But it is astonishing that a single soldier’s writings — a model of both clear Kantian logic but also convoluted Kantian prose — should remain so influential for so long.
June 2006
Rummy & his generals
In early April, a number of retired U.S. general officers stepped forward to call for the resignation of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. Although the immediate bone of contention was the war in Iraq, the controversy revealed a level of anger and mistrust of the Pentagon’s civilian leadership that has been simmering for some time.
Rummy & his generals
In early April, a number of retired U.S. general officers stepped forward to call for the resignation of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. Although the immediate bone of contention was the war in Iraq, the controversy revealed a level of anger and mistrust of the Pentagon’s civilian leadership that has been simmering for some time.
April 2006
Who is Steve Cambone?
On a Tuesday afternoon in January, Stephen Cambone, the undersecretary of defense for intelligence, sat in his spacious but Spartan E-ring office in the Pentagon, contemplating very carefully his answer to my question: Is it true he drives a beat-up car?
Who is Steve Cambone?
On a Tuesday afternoon in January, Stephen Cambone, the undersecretary of defense for intelligence, sat in his spacious but Spartan E-ring office in the Pentagon, contemplating very carefully his answer to my question: Is it true he drives a beat-up car?
March 2006
Beyond the 3-block war
Traditional amphibious warfare remains the focus of Marine Corps planning and drives its spending priorities. But the service is more likely to engage in stability operations, says Max Boot, and should re-embrace its role as an imperial constabulary. Frank Hoffman cautions, however, against choosing between bi- and small-war strategies. Future conflicts will be hybrid wars.
Beyond the 3-block war
Traditional amphibious warfare remains the focus of Marine Corps planning and drives its spending priorities. But the service is more likely to engage in stability operations, says Max Boot, and should re-embrace its role as an imperial constabulary. Frank Hoffman cautions, however, against choosing between bi- and small-war strategies. Future conflicts will be hybrid wars.
February 2006
What the QDR should say
The report summarizing the work of the 2005 Quadrennial Defense Review will be sent to Congress on Feb. 6. I’ve spent a lot of time and effort contributing to this process over the past year, and although I can’t leak what’s in the report — I write before the release date — I can suggest what I thought the report should say, based on the underlying strategic logic. In other words,...
What the QDR should say
The report summarizing the work of the 2005 Quadrennial Defense Review will be sent to Congress on Feb. 6. I’ve spent a lot of time and effort contributing to this process over the past year, and although I can’t leak what’s in the report — I write before the release date — I can suggest what I thought the report should say, based on the underlying strategic logic. In other words,...
January 2006
Tipping period
American soldiers and strategists in the Vietnam War were forever in search of a “tipping point” that would tilt the balance of forces in Southeast Asia away from the North Vietnamese communists and toward the United States and its South Vietnamese allies. As it happened, and as Vietnam is remembered and mythologized, it was the Tet offensive of 1968 that appeared as a tipping point, but a tipping point that...
Tipping period
American soldiers and strategists in the Vietnam War were forever in search of a “tipping point” that would tilt the balance of forces in Southeast Asia away from the North Vietnamese communists and toward the United States and its South Vietnamese allies. As it happened, and as Vietnam is remembered and mythologized, it was the Tet offensive of 1968 that appeared as a tipping point, but a tipping point that...
December 2005
The sun also rises
Until recently, the U.S.-Japan alliance has been little more than a Cold War relic. The main issue of discussion — other than economic and trade — has been how rapidly and completely the Marines would withdraw from Okinawa.
The sun also rises
Until recently, the U.S.-Japan alliance has been little more than a Cold War relic. The main issue of discussion — other than economic and trade — has been how rapidly and completely the Marines would withdraw from Okinawa.
November 2005
The War We’re Winning
Even the New York Times, no friend to the Bush administration, has noticed “the Afghan difference.” After the recent legislative elections, the Times editorialists allowed that “no one can fail to see the many signs of progress there.” They concluded that Afghanistan “is one American-led intervention that could wind up actually making people’s lives better.”
The War We’re Winning
Even the New York Times, no friend to the Bush administration, has noticed “the Afghan difference.” After the recent legislative elections, the Times editorialists allowed that “no one can fail to see the many signs of progress there.” They concluded that Afghanistan “is one American-led intervention that could wind up actually making people’s lives better.”
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