Synopses & Reviews
This study is one of the rare contributions to the very small library of genuine strategic studies. (Strategy here covers all military activity.) The broad purpose is to show how strategy works, using air power and special operations as substantial case studies, but also addressing sea power, nuclear deterrence, and information warfare. Although this book has many interesting things to say about the future of air power, the reliability of non-nuclear deterrence, the true character of joint warfare, the utility of special warriors, and the limitations of excellence in information warfare, the primary intention is to deepen the understanding of the nature and working of strategy and strategic effect.
Review
Presents a plethora of strategic ideas and concepts that all senior civilian and military leaders must fully understand. Gray provides the reader with numerous checklists that help immensely to organize thoughts and ensure nothing is left to chance. If our senior civilian and military leadership do read this book, perhaps the United States can avoid repeating some of its past strategic blunders.Marine Corps Gazette
Review
(Gray's) valuable book provides lots of good ammunition for contemplation, discussion, and argument and for the edification of senior commanders, staff members, political leaders, and students.Perspectives on Political Science
Synopsis
Shows how the mechanics and underlying structure of military strategy works.
Table of Contents
Preface
Introduction
The Challenge of Strategy
On Strategic Performance
The Advantages and Limitations of Sea Power: British Defense in a Joint World
Deterrence, Still a Reliable Strategy?
Strategy and Air Power
The Advantages and Limitations of Air Power
The United States as an Air Power
Air Power and Defense Planning
Strategy and Special Operations
The Nature of Special Operations
The Strategic Utility of Special Operations: Lessons of History
Special Operations and Defense Planning
Conclusions
Strategy and the Revolution in Military Affairs
Bibliography
Index