The American Past, Present Challenges, and Future Lessons

The chapter opens with a presentation of anecdotes from American military history that illustrate the enduring and universal character of the challenge and the need for a rapid transition from peacetime to war. Following this the challenges facing the US today are discussed, mainly the Russian threat and the possible need for rapid transition to war in Europe. This challenge is intensified by the Multi-Domain Battle conceptual and the impending material transformation. The chapter ends with specific recommendations for both issues.