Synopses & Reviews
What challenges will America face in armed conflicts of the future and how will we prepare for them? National security depends upon the ability of the military to “predict” the future nature of war. Despite the difficulty in making such predictions, one must remember: nation states and other countries will continue to use armed conflict as a means to further their aims, and these aims will, at times, run contrary to American interests. As a result, the United States will continue to be confronted with armed conflict in the days and years ahead.
A military theorist and experienced armor officer, Brian Steed provides insights into the future of armed conflict by focusing on what has occurred in the past-not because the past repeats itself, but because it reveals timeless principles of warfare. Five battles, one each in Korea, Vietnam, the Falklands, the Persian Gulf, and Somalia are analyzed historically, geographically, and strategically. Steeds analysis of these engagements clearly demonstrates that the key to victory on the battlefields of the future is the small unit. In refreshing laymans prose, the author focuses on why the events occurred as they did, and explores the significance of each battle in terms of its political and military ramifications. He concludes with lessons learned that will greatly benefit future American ground combat commanders.
Armed Conflict informs the reader about the historical trends of combat operations and the realities of war-today and into the future. It will also serve to guide a new generation of military and civilian leaders as they prepare to face the inevitable conflicts in the new century.
Synopsis
Includes bibliographical references (p. [249]-269) and index.
About the Author
U.S. Army officer Brian Steed holds a masters degree in international relations from Vermont College of Norwich University. Armed Conflict is his first book. Captain Steeds previous assignments include duty with the OPFOR at the National Training Center. He is currently stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky.
Table of Contents
A new national security focus -- Cross-tier conflict methods -- Battle analysis: the Battle of Hill 219 (Korean War, 25-26 November 1950) -- Battle analysis: the Battle of LZ Albany (Vietnam War, 17 November 1965) -- Battle analysis: the Battle of Goose Green (Falkland Islands War, 27-29 May 1982) -- Battle analysis: the Battle of 73 Easting (Operation Desert Storm, 26-27 February 1991) -- Battle analysis: the Battle of Mogadishu (Operation Restore Hope, 3-4 October 1993) -- Battle analysis: summary -- The future of warfare: trends affecting the ground commmander.