Problem
Great powers lose their position when they ignore changes that make old forces less useful.
Action
Track changes in technology, military methods, and force structure that could transform warfare.
Outcome
Early recognition gives leaders more time to build forces suited to the new competition.
Chapter: Part I - Come the Revolution
Problem
Technology investments become scattered when leaders lack a clear view of future warfare.
Action
Describe how emerging capabilities could change detection, attack, defense, movement, and supply.
Outcome
A clear view of future warfare guides better choices about forces and weapons.
Chapter: Part I - The Shape of Things to Come
Problem
Concentrated and visible forces become easy targets when enemies can strike accurately from long range.
Action
Disperse forces while improving concealment, mobility, protection, and secure coordination.
Outcome
Forces remain effective despite persistent surveillance and precise attacks.
Chapter: Part I - The Mature Precision-Warfare Regime
Problem
A late response leaves too little time to master technologies that change military advantage.
Action
Monitor promising technologies and test their military uses before their value becomes widely accepted.
Outcome
Early learning helps a force exploit major changes before its rivals do.
Chapter: Part I - Disruptive Technologies: Catching the Wave
Problem
Threats of punishment become less credible when enemies can limit damage or doubt the will to retaliate.
Action
Create resilient defenses that make it unlikely for an enemy to achieve its military aims.
Outcome
Deterrence becomes stronger because aggression offers fewer gains.
Chapter: Part I - W(h)ither Deterrence?
Problem
Leaders can misread new technology when they examine it without historical comparison.
Action
Compare current changes with earlier shifts in weapons, doctrine, and military organization.
Outcome
Historical patterns reveal which choices are most likely to create lasting advantage.
Chapter: Part II - Introduction
Problem
Separate changes in ships, bases, personnel, and strategy can work against one another.
Action
Link new technology, operating methods, organization, and resource choices into a single plan.
Outcome
Coordinated reforms produce greater military value from limited resources.
Chapter: Part II - Fisher's Scheme
Problem
New weapons provide little advantage when forces use them within old methods.
Action
Experiment with combined armored, air, infantry, and communication capabilities under realistic conditions.
Outcome
Integrated forces can restore movement and overcome fixed defenses.
Chapter: Part II - Out of the Trenches
Problem
Prestige and past success can keep resources tied to platforms that are losing combat value.
Action
Use realistic exercises to compare established platforms with emerging alternatives.
Outcome
Resources move toward forces that can survive and fight in future conditions.
Chapter: Part II - Twilight of the Battle Line
Problem
Large forces waste weapons and expose more people when they depend on repeated attacks against the same target.
Action
Connect precise weapons with reliable sensors, communications, and target information.
Outcome
Smaller forces can destroy important targets with fewer attacks.
Chapter: Part II - From Mass to Precision
Problem
Directly copying past reforms ignores differences in technology, enemies, and strategic conditions.
Action
Use recurring historical patterns to test current assumptions and choices.
Outcome
Leaders gain useful guidance while remaining responsive to present conditions.
Chapter: Part II - Echoes of History
Problem
Recognizing a military change has little value when institutions delay practical preparation.
Action
Fund experiments and field-limited capabilities while uncertainty remains.
Outcome
Steady preparation reduces the risk of strategic surprise.
Chapter: Part II - Where Do We Stand?