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Overview
Today, America's armed forces face massive change, a dramatically reduced force structure, and severe budget cuts. The concept of "maneuver warfare" has been put forth as one promising solution to this dilemma. Can a small, maneuver-oriented military establishment actually serve us better, as its proponents claim? This vexing question provides the basis for this important book. The answers to this question will serve as the foundation for American military doctrine in the 21st century. Here, some of America's finest minds explore the idea of maneuver-based warfare, getting to the heart of the issues and engaging in an energetic and lively debate, with each essay making an independent contribution to the evolving thought. Whether a cure-all or an empty bag of tricks, maneuver warfare theory presents a formidable challenge to the American defense establishment. The synthesis of ideas presented in this volume will be critically important in shaping the post-Cold War world. Everyone in the military, or interested in national defense, should read these thoughtful and controversial essays.Editorials
Publishers Weekly -
The army is in the process of losing up to one half of its combat divisions in the current downsizing. Several of the essayists in this collection suggest that a smaller army could actually be a stronger one, if it is trained and equipped to fight in the maneuver-warfare mode. William Lind opens the anthology with as clear a definition of this broad and fuzzy concept as may be possible: maneuver warfare, relying not on firepower or industrial might, emphasizes decentralized command and rapid operating tempo in applying tactical strength against the enemy's weakness. Richard Hooker explains how German tactics in WW I remain the best model for maneuver warfare. David Grossman discusses why WW II German General Erwin Rommel is thought of as a sterling maneuverist. Michael D. Wyly reveals how maneuver warfare is taught and some of its training methods. Daniel P. Bolger's amusingly skeptical essay suggests that maneuver warfare theory is ``a bag of military Doritos--tasty and great fun to munch, but not very nutritious.'' Readers will find in this timely anthology a thorough discussion of the primary doctrine of American ground forces now and in the foreseeable future. (Jan.)Book Details
Published
December 1, 1994
Publisher
Novato, Calif. : Presidio, c1993.
Pages
416
Format
Paperback
ISBN
9780891415183