Publication

1995 - Brookings Institution, Washington, D.C, District of Columbia

Language

English

Word Count

80,500 words, Guess

Page Count

322 pages

Identifiers

and 2 more
  • Goodreads1493213
  • LibraryThing8333598

Classifications

  • DDC355/.0332
  • LCCUA10 .B48 1995

Description

In this book, strategy expert Richard K. Betts surveys problems in developing and measuring combat readiness before, during, and after the cold war. He analyzes why attempts to maximize it often have counterproductive effects, and how confusions in technical concepts cause political controversy. The book explores conflicts between two objectives that are both vital but work against each other because they compete for resources: operational readiness to fight immediately, and structural readiness - the number of organized units that increase military power, but require time during a crisis to gear up for combat. Betts also discusses the problem brought on by the cold war and plunging defense budgets: mobilization readiness - the plans and arrangements needed to shorten the time for recreating a large military if it once again becomes necessary. Betts offers new ideas for understanding the dilemmas and tradeoffs that underlie debates on how readiness should be maintained in peacetime, and he explores the strategic consequences of different choices.

Subjects

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