United States Army Doctrine: Adapting to Political Change

The US Army has made four significant shifts in its capstone operations doctrine since WWII, focusing on mid-intensity conventional warfare, high-intensity nuclear warfare, low-intensity unconventional warfare, and back to low-intensity unconventional warfare.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 29 July 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

The United States Army has undergone four significant doctrinal shifts in its capstone operations doctrine since the end of World War II, reflecting changes in the nature of warfare. In 1954, the Army shifted its focus from mid-intensity conventional warfare to a doctrine that emphasized high-intensity nuclear warfare. This marked a significant departure from the previous emphasis on conventional warfare. However, in 1962, the Army made a remarkable turnaround and shifted its focus toward low-intensity unconventional warfare doctrine. This shift was in response to the changing nature of the conflicts being fought, particularly in the Vietnam War.

In 1976, the Army once again shifted its doctrinal emphasis, returning to a doctrine that was primarily focused on mid-intensity conventional warfare. This period of stability lasted for 32 years until 2008, when the Army made another doctrinal shift, this time toward low-intensity unconventional warfare. This shift was in response to the ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, where the nature of warfare required a different approach.

The author of this book closely examines each of these doctrinal shifts, exploring the domestic, international, and bureaucratic politics that influenced them. The book provides a detailed account of the factors that drove these changes and their impact on the Army's capabilities and strategy. It also sheds light on the challenges and controversies that accompanied these shifts, such as the debate over the appropriate balance between conventional and unconventional warfare and the role of technology in modern warfare.

Overall, this book offers a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the evolution of US Army doctrine since the end of World War II, providing valuable insights into the changing nature of warfare and the challenges faced by military organizations in adapting to new threats and opportunities.

Weight: 216g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030521349
Edition number: 1st ed. 2020