CSBA strategists explain how a weapon can help you win without ever being used
In a new study of strategy in an age of austerity, three CSBA authors, led by Andrew Krepinevich, state that the B-1 bomber imposed disproportionate costs on the Soviet military, forcing it to invest in air defenses "at the expense of offensive capabilities, thereby pushing the superpower competition in a highly favorable direction." Very Sun ...
In a new study of strategy in an age of austerity, three CSBA authors, led by Andrew Krepinevich, state that the B-1 bomber imposed disproportionate costs on the Soviet military, forcing it to invest in air defenses "at the expense of offensive capabilities, thereby pushing the superpower competition in a highly favorable direction." Very Sun Tzu-ish!
In a new study of strategy in an age of austerity, three CSBA authors, led by Andrew Krepinevich, state that the B-1 bomber imposed disproportionate costs on the Soviet military, forcing it to invest in air defenses "at the expense of offensive capabilities, thereby pushing the superpower competition in a highly favorable direction." Very Sun Tzu-ish!
They also argue that given the basic resiliency of the United States, "a strategy that plays for time or envisions the capability to contest a long-term competition appears to be relevant today."
Another good line: "Strategy is about taking risks and deciding what will not be done as well as what will." This was the essence of the decisions Marshall and Eisenhower contemplated in World War II: What was essential (keeping the Soviets in the war, for example) vs. merely important (lots of other things).
Thomas E. Ricks is a former contributing editor to Foreign Policy. Twitter: @tomricks1
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