Shooting Blanks: War Making That Doesn't Work

In their survey of misapplied military power in the modern era, the authors identify five ``basic bad habits'' that contribute most significantly to foul-ups in war: preparing for the wrong conflict; procuring flawed weaponry; the misuse of military intelligence; the media's misleading not only the citizenry but political and military leaders; and sheer ineptitude. The bulk of the volume consists of vivid examples, from the early campaigns of WW I to Iraq's recent invasion of Kuwait. Dunnigan and Nofi ( Dirty Little Secrets ) offer straight talk in short bursts on topics ranging from common misconceptions (e.g., cost overruns in defense are greater than in other government contracts) to the amazingly persistent ``Pearl Harbor syndrome'' (land a devastating blow and the enemy will roll over and sue for peace). (July)