<i>The Pentagon Labyrinth</i> aims to help both newcomers and seasoned observers learn how to grapple with the problems of national defense. Intended for readers who are frustrated with the superficial nature of the debate on national security, this handbook takes advantage of the insights of ten unique professionals, each with decades of experience in the armed services, the Pentagon bureaucracy, Congress, the intelligence community, military history, journalism and other disciplines. The short but provocative essays will help you to identify the decay moral, mental and physical in America s defenses; understand the various tribes that run bureaucratic life in the Pentagon; appreciate what too many defense journalists are not doing, but should; conduct first rate national security oversight instead of second rate theater; separate careerists from ethical professionals in senior military and civilian ranks; learn to critique strategies, distinguishing the useful from the agenda-driven; recognize the pervasive influence of money in defense decision-making; unravel the budget games the Pentagon and Congress love to play; understand how to sort good weapons from bad and avoid high cost failures, and; reform the failed defense procurement system without changing a single law. The handbook ends with lists of contacts, readings and Web sites carefully selected to facilitate further understanding of the above, and more.

The Pentagon Labyrinth: 10 Short Essays to Help You Through It

Ret.)

Thomas, Christie

Andrew Cockburn

Bruce I. Gudmundsson

George Wilson

Winslow T. Wheeler

Pierre M. Sprey

Franklin C. Spinney

Col. G.I. Wilson (U.S. Marine Corps

Col. Chet Richards (U.S. Air Force

Center for Defense Information

A study of national security and military strategy by Col. Chester Richards (USAF Ret.), suggests that ancient strategic wisdom may help solve the dilemma confronting the U.S. military: spending on defense exceeds that of any combination of potential adversaries, but the services still face cancellation of weapon systems and lack of funds for training, spares, and care and feeding of the troops. Richards suggests U.S. military leaders can break out of the "dollars equals defense" mindset, and create more effective forces. The second edition contains a new forward written in response to the effects that the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks against the United States have engendered in the U.S. military.

A Swift, Elusive Sword: What if Sun Tzu and John Boyd Did a National Defense Review?

Richards, Chester W.

<p>The 11 chapters presented here by Wheeler (Center for Defense Information) constitute a broad critique of current US military policies and institutions that points to decades-long problems that the authors feel are corroding US military and political power.</p>

America's Defense Meltdown: Pentagon Reform for President Obama and the New Congress

Politics & Social Sciences

Wheeler, Winslow

Politics & Government

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