Product Description

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. Steed’s analysis of these engagements clearly demonstrates that the key to victory on the battlefields of the future is the small unit. In refreshing layman’s 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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #659975 in Books
• Published on: 2003-01-01
• Released on: 2003-01-01
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: 8.50" h x .50" w x 5.50" l, .81 pounds
• Binding: Paperback
• 304 pages

From Publishers Weekly
An Army Captain stationed at Fort Knox, Steed makes a concise and cogent argument for larger and simpler armed forces. He begins by arguing that U.S. combat power is dangerously thin on the ground and the country's advanced weapons are like a Ferrari in a bad neighborhood-one must spend more time protecting them than using them. He then cites five modern battles to prove his point, one each from Korea, Vietnam, the Falklands, the Gulf War and Somalia. In the Falklands, the British won by superior small-unit training, while in the Gulf War, U.S. armored cavalry beat an Iraqi army that gave away every possible advantage including terrain. In the other three actions, the U.S. forces inflicted more damage than they received-but not more damage than the opponent could accept. The author goes on to advocate not only more numerous ground forces with better training and better small-unit leaders, but a basic all-purpose fighting vehicle as versatile as the World War II Sherman tank. This proposition will make some readers cringe, as will Steed's attacks on the media, but the whole is a reasonable presentation of a thesis that is not new, but is still deserving of serious consideration by military professionals and concerned civilians. Maps and illustrations not seen by PW.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
Every four years, the Department of Defense Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) evaluates the roles, missions, and organization of each service. This "food fight" provides the foundation for budget submissions, especially in the area of major equipment purchases. Steed, a mere army captain, has the audacity to wander into this fray. What results is a blunt appraisal of American military strategy. Using case studies from battles throughout the 20th century (Korea, Vietnam, Somalia), Steed projects future challenges for American ground commanders and provides a convincing case that the United States must balance its preparation for future conflict between costly high-tech systems and cheaper multifunctional systems. He also reveals the need for lighter forces to fight in the restricted environments of cities, jungles, and mountains. Perceptive and yet accessible, this is essential reading for political and military leaders. Highly recommended for larger libraries with military and political science collections and for military libraries.
Lt. Col. (Ret.) Charles M. Minyard, U.S. Army, Mt. Pleasant, MI
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author
U.S. Army officer Brian Steed holds a master’s degree in international relations from Vermont College of Norwich University. Armed Conflict is his first book. Captain Steed’s previous assignments include duty with the OPFOR at the National Training Center. He is currently stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky.