Adaptation under Fire: How Militaries Change in Wartime

The U.S. military must become more adaptable to face future unknown conflicts, making choices about doctrine, weapons, and leadership. Adaptation under Fire identifies characteristics that make militaries more adaptable, illustrated through historical examples and recent wars.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 440 pages
Publication date: 26 July 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

The United States military must undergo a critical transformation to adapt to the rapidly changing security landscape. While it is impossible to predict the exact nature of future conflicts, every military must be prepared to face a wide range of challenges. As former U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates famously observed, we have a perfect record in predicting the next war; we have never once gotten it right. In such uncertain times, adaptability is paramount.

Adaptation Under Fire, a book by David Barno and Nora Bensahel, delves into the characteristics that make militaries more adaptable. The authors argue that even in the face of unknown future conflicts, militaries must make crucial decisions about doctrine, equipment, and leadership. However, once a war begins, many of these choices may prove flawed in the unpredictable crucible of the battlefield.

For the United States military, which faces diverse global threats, the ability to adapt quickly and effectively is essential for victory. Barno and Bensahel provide a framework for understanding adaptation, including historical cases of success and failure. They examine the U.S. military's adaptation during the nation's recent wars and identify why certain forms of adaptation have proven problematic.

In the final section, the authors conclude that the U.S. military must become significantly more adaptable to address the fast-changing security challenges of the future. They offer recommendations on how to achieve this transformation before it is too late.

The United States military must embrace innovation, adaptability, and flexibility to remain a dominant force in the 21st century. By recognizing the importance of adaptation, investing in technology and training, and fostering a culture of continuous learning, the military can better prepare for the challenges of the future.

In conclusion, the United States military must undergo a critical transformation to adapt to the rapidly changing security landscape. While it is impossible to predict the exact nature of future conflicts, every military must be prepared to face a wide range of challenges. Adaptability is paramount, and the military must embrace innovation, adaptability, and flexibility to remain a dominant force in the 21st century.

Weight: 632g
Dimension: 156 x 235 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197661703