The Myth of the Silver Bullet: Does Technical Superiority Equate to Battlefield Success?

Abstract

The idea that technology can dominate the battlefield gaining momentum in the modern world. This idea has become an article of faith within American political leadership, reflecting the popularity of the idea that American military strength results from the advanced technology fielded by our armed forces within American society. Yet historical study reveals that this is not true. Without the proper application of human or moral forces, technology has not proven decisive on the battlefield. History affords numerous examples of a technologically inferior force defeating its opponents for a variety of reasons.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 30, 2012
Accession Number
ADA601194

Entities

People

  • Jonathan M. Horn

Organizations

  • Marine Corps University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Defense
  • Air Force
  • Aircraft Carriers
  • Aircrafts
  • Case Studies
  • Defense Industry
  • Fighter Aircraft
  • Marine Corps
  • Military Aviation
  • Military Organizations
  • Navy
  • Radar
  • Second World War
  • Task Forces
  • United States
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Strategic Security Studies
  • Systems Analysis and Design