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Irrespective of the political leadership, it's unlikely that USA military is completely oblivious about the new modes of wars - cheap drones, AI, rapid build-o
by vgchh 6mo ago
Irrespective of the political leadership, it's unlikely that USA military is completely oblivious about the new modes of wars - cheap drones, AI, rapid build-outs (e.g. in China). On the contrary, they are likely deeply aware of it. That being said, it is also likely true that USA has become more bureaucratic and there is a high chance of deer-in-headlights situation. USA remains the shining city on the hill, though probably not for long, unless we pull up socks and innovate, work, work, work and build, build and build.
- kjellsbells 6mo agoThere's no shortage of national security and military analysis talent in the US. There is a gigantic shortage of intestinal fortitude in the politicians. The Army tried reducing the sizeof their tank force, and had to back down after screams from Congress because it would have meant job losses in some representative's district. The US poured money into the strike fighter and littoral ship projects, despite the brass telling them it was the wrong approach. And so on. (I suspect this is one reason why Anduril have been successful, since they have fewer sacred cows that must be fed.) Now we are in a timeline where the top brass are being ejected unless they toe the Party line. I am not optimistic that this will lead to better outcomes in terms of our ability to win against adversaries.
- vgchh 6mo agoUltimately, it's an internal battle. A battle of bureaucracy+ignorance vs democracy+optimism+innovation. The side that weighs more wins. And the adversaries are hoping it's the former.
- torlok 6mo agoSorry, are you suggesting that the US top brass wants less of something, but the politicians won't let them? That the US top brass would reform and modernize the military if only politicians wouldn't get in the way? Is this April Fools?
- kjellsbells 6mo agoNo,I'm not suggesting that at all. Some of the brass love spending the taxpayers money on new toys. I'm saying that one control mechanism for them not being able to do that, namely, an effective Congress, is totally AWOL and captured in that regard. And re: the policy/planning types that work with them, the good ones have been defenestrated in the last 15 months or are not in a position to do anything like their best work if there is any risk it will differ from the administration's preconceived worldview.
- curiousgal 6mo ago> unless we pull up socks and innovate, work, work, work and build, build and build. So you can find new way to terrorise the world? Right attitude but wrong application.
- no_shadowban_6 6mo ago> unless we pull up socks and innovate, work, work, work and build, build and build. These days I usually just get AI to do it! Much more innovative, much more efficient!
- blitzar 6mo ago> cheap drones, AI, rapid build-outs Yet the USA military pay $10,000 for the toilet seat on a cargo plane.
- torlok 6mo agoThe USA military is losing equipment sitting unprotected on the tarmac 4 years since Russia invaded Ukraine. Your shining city is a polished turd.
- superxpro12 6mo agoIts A LOT EASIER to project machismo manliness than it is to actually carry it out.