Problem
Persistent sensors can expose visible or electronic activity before a force can act.
Action
Reduce signatures and use concealment, deception, and frequent movement.
Outcome
Forces survive longer and retain the chance to surprise the enemy.
Chapter: From mechanized to informatized warfare - Navigating the transparent battlefield
Problem
Dependence on a few radio and data links allows electronic attacks to disrupt the entire force.
Action
Use dispersed networks that can change frequencies and continue operating with limited contact.
Outcome
Units can coordinate even when the enemy contests the spectrum.
Chapter: From mechanized to informatized warfare - Contesting the spectrum
Problem
Modern weapons can defeat heavy armor once sensors locate its position.
Action
Protect forces through rapid movement, dispersed positions, hidden signatures, and layered defenses.
Outcome
The enemy has fewer clear opportunities to deliver effective attacks.
Chapter: From mechanized to informatized warfare - When protection is an illusion
Problem
Attacks on logistics can stop combat units without directly defeating them.
Action
Disperse supplies and give support units the means to detect, avoid, and resist attacks.
Outcome
Combat power remains available during sustained operations.
Chapter: From mechanized to informatized warfare - When the tail needs teeth
Problem
Buildings and civilians restrict observation, movement, and firepower in cities.
Action
Train small teams to combine infantry, engineers, sensors, armor, and precise fires.
Outcome
Units can clear urban ground with fewer casualties and less damage.
Chapter: From mechanized to informatized warfare - Blood in the streets
Problem
Concentrated formations are easy targets for modern sensors and long-range weapons.
Action
Place units across a wide area and connect them so they can act together at decisive moments.
Outcome
The force gains striking power without presenting one large target.
Chapter: The arms of the future - The geometry of the future battlefield
Problem
Independent units lose momentum when they cannot see threats or coordinate routes.
Action
Link sensors, commanders, and mobile units through a resilient common picture.
Outcome
Units can move through gaps and exploit opportunities faster.
Chapter: The arms of the future - The manoeuvre system
Problem
Targets escape when information moves slowly between observers and weapons.
Action
Create rapid links that match detected targets with available guns, missiles, or aircraft.
Outcome
Fires arrive sooner and produce a greater effect with fewer shots.
Chapter: The arms of the future - The fires system
Problem
Assault troops suffer heavy losses when enemy sensors and weapons remain active.
Action
Use fires, electronic attack, smoke, engineers, and machines to open a protected route.
Outcome
Assault forces reach and seize positions with lower risk.
Chapter: The arms of the future - The assault system
Problem
Static and centralized support systems cannot sustain dispersed forces under attack.
Action
Use smaller mobile supply, repair, medical, and engineering elements close to operating units.
Outcome
Dispersed units recover and continue fighting for longer.
Chapter: The arms of the future - The support system
Problem
Military domains can pursue separate advantages that do not produce a useful strategic result.
Action
Set one political purpose and assign each domain a clear supporting role.
Outcome
Military activity creates effects that reinforce the intended policy.
Chapter: The continuation of policy - Divergent domains
Problem
Transformation fails when institutions buy new equipment without changing force design and training.
Action
Set priorities from likely battlefield problems and test complete solutions in realistic exercises.
Outcome
New technology becomes a usable combat capability instead of isolated equipment.
Chapter: The continuation of policy - Priorities in transformation
Problem
A powerful force has limited value if leaders cannot use it for likely policy goals.
Action
Build adaptable forces that can deploy, endure, escalate, and cooperate with partners.
Outcome
Military power gives national leaders credible choices across different crises.
Chapter: The continuation of policy - An instrument of power