The Masks of War: American Military Styles in Strategy and Analysis: A RAND Corporation Research Study

Builder, Carl

ISBN 10: 0801837766 / ISBN 13: 9780801837760

Published by Johns Hopkins University Press, 1989

About this Item

All pages and cover are intact. Dust jacket included if applicable, though it may be missing on hardcover editions. Spine and cover may show minor signs of wear including scuff marks, curls or bends to corners as well as cosmetic blemishes including stickers. Pages may contain limited notes or highlighting. "From the library of" labels may be present. Shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set packaging may be missing. Bundled media e.g., CDs, DVDs, access codes may not be included.

Seller Inventory # 466SGT003A6E

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Masks of War: American Military Styles in Strategy and Analysis: A RAND Corporation Research Study
• Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press
• Publication Date: 1989
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0801837766
• ISBN 13: 9780801837760
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: good

About this title

Synopsis

Why was the Navy ready to clear the skies over the Persian Gulf, yet surprised by the mines laid under it? Why is it that the Army is always prepared for war in Europe, but was caught off guard in Korea and Vietname? And why is the Air Force indifferent to "Star Wars"?

In The Masks of War Carl H. Builder asks what motives lie behind the puzzling and often contradictory behavior of America's militay forces. The answer, he finds, has little to do with what party controls the White House or who writes the budget. Far more powerful-and glacially resistant to change-are the entrenched institutions and distinct "personalities" of the three armed services themselves.

The Masks of War explains why things sometimes go wrong for the American military. It also explains why things will always go wrong for the military reformers. Changes in the military's strategic thinking have come only in the wake of full-blown disaster-Pearl Harbor, for instance. Today's nuclear world can't afford such lessons.

About the Author

Carl H. Builder is a senior analyst with the RAND corporation. He is the author of The Prospects and Implications of Non-nuclear Means for Strategic Conflict. He has worked with numerous government agencies to develop and analyze strategies for laser weapons, military strategic planning, nuclear materials security, and air pollution.