High-tech and the New Military Revolution

Author: Michael O'Hanlon
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-01-01
Features: The military revolution will indeed occur, but it is too early at the current time; it requires numerous advancements in technology, operational concepts, and organizational reforms to bring about such a revolution. High technology has become a defining characteristic of American combat methods in the second half of the 20th century and will certainly be the core of U.S. defense readiness in the 21st century. The U.S. military personnel are excellent. It is precisely these outstanding soldiers combined with the world's best defense technology that have created the most outstanding military in history. High technology has not always been the core element of U.S. defense readiness. Michael O'Hanlon is a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and teaches at Columbia University and Georgetown University. He has previously served at the U.S. Congressional Budget Office and is the author of works such as The Ugly Victory: Deconstructing the Kosovo War. Since the Gulf War, the U.S. military has frequently discussed the issue of the military revolution, and scholars from official and research institutions have published numerous articles and monographs on the topic, but there is still no consensus. The author of this book explores, with his unique insights, the possibility of completing a revolution in the military field in the near future. To achieve such a revolution, the U.S. military must fundamentally change the priorities of budget projects, operational structures, and weapon systems. The author also elaborates on the origins of the debates surrounding the military revolution and the various schools of thought.