Technological Change and the Future of Warfare

by Michael E. O'Hanlon and O'hanlon

Book Overview

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In light of the spectacular performance of American high-technology weapons in the 1991 Persian Gulf War, as well as the phenomenal pace of innovation in the modern computer industry, many defense analysts have posited that we are on the threshold of a revolution in military affairs (RMA). The issue has more than semantic importance. Many RMA proponents have begun to argue for major changes in Pentagon budgetary priorities and even in American...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0815764391
• ISBN13: 9780815764397
• Release Date: January 2000
• Publisher: Brookings Institution Press
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.1" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

A fascinating look at military technology

Throughout the twentieth century, warfare was revolutionized from the armies fielded by the British Empire during the Boer War to the high tech American army during the Persian Gulf War. It is the view of some, such as Alvin and Heidi Toffler, that the world is facing a new revolution in military affairs (RMA). In this book, the author examines the technology involved in military affairs, at the advances made in the past, and in the limitations that physics are likely to make on future advances.I found this book to be quite fascinating. The author succeeds in giving a profound understanding of the technologies in use by the military. However, he is quite clear in his belief that the weapon systems are approaching the limits imposed upon them by physics. As such, future changes are likely to be evolutionary, rather than the revolutionary changes hoped for by proponents of RMA.I don't know that I entirely agree with Professor O'Hanlon's conclusions, but I must say that he makes a very persuasive case. But, besides its conclusions, the books information on military technology is quite fascinating in any case. Therefore, if you are interested in military affairs, I highly recommend that you read this book.

Puts RMA In Its Place, Smartly--Essential Reading

Graciously, and with wicked clarity, the author knocks the so-called Revolution in Military Affairs flat on its back, and then helps it to one knee. His introductory review of the RMA schools of thought (system of systems, dominant battlespace knowledge, global reach, and vulnerability or anti-access or asymmetric), with appropriate notes, is helpful to any adult student. The heart of his book can be distilled down to one chart showing the expected rates of advance in the various technical domains relevant to military operations. Of 29 distinct technical groups across sensors, computers and communications; projectiles, propulsion, and platforms; and other weapons, he finds only two technology areas-computer hardware and computer software-capable of revolutionary change in the foreseeable future. Eight others-chemical sensors, biological sensors, radio communications, laser communications, radio-frequency weapons, nonlethal weapons, and biological weapons-are judged capable of high but not revolutionary advances. All other technical areas, namely those associated with mobility platforms and weaponry itself, are unlikely to develop at anything above a moderate pace. In the course of his discussion of each of these he brings forth the basics of physics and real-world constraints and points out that even the best of our sensors are frustrated by heavy rain and other man-made countermeasures. He correctly evaluates the inability of our existing and planned Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) to keep up with targeting needs, particularly in urban and heavy canopy terrain. He also notes in passing that human intelligence may well prove to be the sustaining element in finding individual people, and that there has been no significant change since World War II in the numbers of troops needed per 1,000 inhabitants-infantry is still the core force. He systematically dismisses a variety of RMA claims, among the most dangerous being that we can afford to stand down many of our forward bases, by pointing out that combat aircraft continue to have short ranges, ground forces continue to require heavy logistics sustainment, ships remain slow to cross oceans, and it continues to be extremely difficult to seize ports and other fixed infrastructure. He concludes the book with a number of budgeting recommendations, both for the USA and for its allies. For the USA he would emphasize communications and computing, the one area truly open to an RMA in the near term. Other areas meriting immediate investments include strategic sea and air lift, the rapid development of a lighter tank and a mine-resistant infantry vehicle, and improvements in naval mine warfare. He supports the National Missile Defense and would sustain more robust RDT & E experimentation. For a major US ally, with a fraction of our funding, he recommends a $15 billion total investment over several years to acquire a thoughtful mix of advanced C4I enhancements including ground