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The Science of War: Defense Budgeting, Military Technology, Logistics, and Combat Outcomes
The U.S. military is one of the largest and most complex organizations in the world. How it spends its money, chooses tactics, and allocates its resources have enormous implications for national defense and the economy. "The Science of War" is the only comprehensive textbook on how to analyze and understand these and other essential problems in modern defense policy.
Michael O'Hanlon provides undergraduate and graduate students with an accessible yet rigorous introduction to the subject. Drawing on a broad range of sources and his own considerable expertise as a defense analyst and teacher, he describes the analytic techniques the military uses in every crucial area of military science. O'Hanlon explains how the military budget works, how the military assesses and deploys new technology, develops strategy and fights wars, handles the logistics of stationing and moving troops and equipment around the world, and models and evaluates battlefield outcomes. His modeling techniques have been tested in Iraq and Afghanistan, including the methods he used to predict higher-than-anticipated troop fatalities in Iraq--controversial predictions that have since been vindicated.
"The Science of War" is the definitive resource on warfare in the twenty-first century.Gives the best introduction to defense analysis available Covers defense budgeting Shows how to model and predict outcomes in war Explains military logistics, including overseas basing Examines key issues in military technology, including missile defense, space warfare, and nuclear-weapons testing Based on the author's graduate-level courses at Princeton, Columbia, and Georgetown universities
Michael O'Hanlon provides undergraduate and graduate students with an accessible yet rigorous introduction to the subject. Drawing on a broad range of sources and his own considerable expertise as a defense analyst and teacher, he describes the analytic techniques the military uses in every crucial area of military science. O'Hanlon explains how the military budget works, how the military assesses and deploys new technology, develops strategy and fights wars, handles the logistics of stationing and moving troops and equipment around the world, and models and evaluates battlefield outcomes. His modeling techniques have been tested in Iraq and Afghanistan, including the methods he used to predict higher-than-anticipated troop fatalities in Iraq--controversial predictions that have since been vindicated.
"The Science of War" is the definitive resource on warfare in the twenty-first century.Gives the best introduction to defense analysis available Covers defense budgeting Shows how to model and predict outcomes in war Explains military logistics, including overseas basing Examines key issues in military technology, including missile defense, space warfare, and nuclear-weapons testing Based on the author's graduate-level courses at Princeton, Columbia, and Georgetown universities
280 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 6, 2012
The Science of War: Defense Budgeting, Military Technology, Logistics, and Combat Outcomes by Michael E. O’Hanlon
“The Science of War” is a very sound, accessible text book that stresses the importance of scientific methods as an essential complementary component of defense analysis. It’s about the technical preparation required to be ready for combat. In the end this book strives and succeeds in explaining to the layperson the immense challenges and the need to refine and develop improved quantitative tools in defense policy analysis. Author and defense and foreign policy specialist Michael E. O’Hanlon provides the reader with methodologies for military analysis and how it applies to many defense policy matters. This 280-page book is broken out into four chapters: I. Defense Budgeting and Resource Allocation, Modeling Combat and Sizing Forces, III. Logistics and Overseas Bases and IV. Technical Issues and Defense Analysis.
Positives:
1. As well-cited and referenced a book as you will find.
2. Well written and straight to the point.
3. Accessible book for the general reader who has interest in the military and technical elements of defense policy.
4. The author focuses strictly on the topics of the book without getting into partisan politics; it is a text book after all.
5. Provides a very helpful introduction to general defense matters.
6. A good look at how defense dollars are spent. How the money is defined and how it’s categorized. America’s budget as it relates to the rest of the world. “Most defense dollars go to one of two main activities in the United States: preparing forces for combat and other missions over the long term, through research and development and procurement of weaponry as well as other efforts”.
7. Good use of tables to help the reader grasp the concepts. Cost estimate of major equipment in millions as an example.
8. The challenges to grasp deployment costs. The methods used to assist the defense budget. The limitations of these methods. The estimates that result from these methods.
9. One of the biggest strengths of this book is the countless number of scenarios/examples provided in which the reader can apply some of the concepts presented. O’Hanlon does a wonderful job of asking practical questions and even better at analyzing them. Kudos.
10. A chapter devoted to modeling combat and sizing forces. Understanding the complexity of it, the variables involved and the need to get better at it. The considerations taken when assessing whether or not to go to war.
11. I enjoyed a lot of the more tactical discussions of the book. As an example, the vulnerabilities of large assets like ships to approach a defender’s shores.
12. The always interesting topic of technology trends.
13. Many interesting international scenarios and conflicts of note discussed. As examples, Pakistan-India and Taiwan-China.
14. An interesting look at the daunting aspect of logistics involved with tactical mobility. The author divides logistics issues into two broad categories: transportation and bases. The general challenges of overseas military operations. The main ways to move people and supplies.
15. A look at basing. The American base network abroad. Identifying the crucial bases by global importance.
16. Basic understanding of scientific and technical issues in defense policy that are essential for policymakers.
17. Examples of how understanding basic military principles and technologies can inform policy debate.
18. The technical revolution of military affairs (RMA) in perspective. “Decisions about when to wage war, whom to fight and whom not to fight, which interests to defend and which interests to recognize as indefensible must be informed by the technical and doctrinal realities of warfare”.
19. The three approaches to understanding the degree to which modern technology is the driver behind how humans battle each other.
20. The computer age in perspective and a discussion of key areas of technology. Trends and future opportunities. Great stuff.
21. The links worked fantastically which was crucial for a book like this. The author also provided a bibliography at the end of each chapter.
Negatives:
1. The writing style can be dry; typical of text books.
2. The science of war is very complex. Some topics will still elude the general reader. Some of the models can be challenging to comprehend.
3. There are a limited number of charts and illustrations in the appendix but not one that captures a list of all the wars and battles and the methodologies used.
4. Some additional resources would have enhanced the educational experience; a flowchart of the budgetary cycle and how it pertains to the department of defense.
5. I enjoyed the chapter on technical issues but wanted more.
6. Readers would have benefitted from a chapter or appendix on introductory weapons and large assets.
In summary, this is a really solid and helpful book. Although intended as a text book I find this book to be accessible and useful to the general reader. O’Hanlon does a good job of providing insight into the complex world of defense policy. The book provides the methodologies and techniques used to develop budgets, model combat sizes and discusses technical issues and the logistics involved. I also enjoyed the section on defense technology. It provides many practical and topical examples and in doing so helps the readers grasp the concepts presented. Though wanting more and some minor reservations, this is a very useful book for any general reader interested in technical matters as it relates to defense policy. I recommend it.
“The Science of War” is a very sound, accessible text book that stresses the importance of scientific methods as an essential complementary component of defense analysis. It’s about the technical preparation required to be ready for combat. In the end this book strives and succeeds in explaining to the layperson the immense challenges and the need to refine and develop improved quantitative tools in defense policy analysis. Author and defense and foreign policy specialist Michael E. O’Hanlon provides the reader with methodologies for military analysis and how it applies to many defense policy matters. This 280-page book is broken out into four chapters: I. Defense Budgeting and Resource Allocation, Modeling Combat and Sizing Forces, III. Logistics and Overseas Bases and IV. Technical Issues and Defense Analysis.
Positives:
1. As well-cited and referenced a book as you will find.
2. Well written and straight to the point.
3. Accessible book for the general reader who has interest in the military and technical elements of defense policy.
4. The author focuses strictly on the topics of the book without getting into partisan politics; it is a text book after all.
5. Provides a very helpful introduction to general defense matters.
6. A good look at how defense dollars are spent. How the money is defined and how it’s categorized. America’s budget as it relates to the rest of the world. “Most defense dollars go to one of two main activities in the United States: preparing forces for combat and other missions over the long term, through research and development and procurement of weaponry as well as other efforts”.
7. Good use of tables to help the reader grasp the concepts. Cost estimate of major equipment in millions as an example.
8. The challenges to grasp deployment costs. The methods used to assist the defense budget. The limitations of these methods. The estimates that result from these methods.
9. One of the biggest strengths of this book is the countless number of scenarios/examples provided in which the reader can apply some of the concepts presented. O’Hanlon does a wonderful job of asking practical questions and even better at analyzing them. Kudos.
10. A chapter devoted to modeling combat and sizing forces. Understanding the complexity of it, the variables involved and the need to get better at it. The considerations taken when assessing whether or not to go to war.
11. I enjoyed a lot of the more tactical discussions of the book. As an example, the vulnerabilities of large assets like ships to approach a defender’s shores.
12. The always interesting topic of technology trends.
13. Many interesting international scenarios and conflicts of note discussed. As examples, Pakistan-India and Taiwan-China.
14. An interesting look at the daunting aspect of logistics involved with tactical mobility. The author divides logistics issues into two broad categories: transportation and bases. The general challenges of overseas military operations. The main ways to move people and supplies.
15. A look at basing. The American base network abroad. Identifying the crucial bases by global importance.
16. Basic understanding of scientific and technical issues in defense policy that are essential for policymakers.
17. Examples of how understanding basic military principles and technologies can inform policy debate.
18. The technical revolution of military affairs (RMA) in perspective. “Decisions about when to wage war, whom to fight and whom not to fight, which interests to defend and which interests to recognize as indefensible must be informed by the technical and doctrinal realities of warfare”.
19. The three approaches to understanding the degree to which modern technology is the driver behind how humans battle each other.
20. The computer age in perspective and a discussion of key areas of technology. Trends and future opportunities. Great stuff.
21. The links worked fantastically which was crucial for a book like this. The author also provided a bibliography at the end of each chapter.
Negatives:
1. The writing style can be dry; typical of text books.
2. The science of war is very complex. Some topics will still elude the general reader. Some of the models can be challenging to comprehend.
3. There are a limited number of charts and illustrations in the appendix but not one that captures a list of all the wars and battles and the methodologies used.
4. Some additional resources would have enhanced the educational experience; a flowchart of the budgetary cycle and how it pertains to the department of defense.
5. I enjoyed the chapter on technical issues but wanted more.
6. Readers would have benefitted from a chapter or appendix on introductory weapons and large assets.
In summary, this is a really solid and helpful book. Although intended as a text book I find this book to be accessible and useful to the general reader. O’Hanlon does a good job of providing insight into the complex world of defense policy. The book provides the methodologies and techniques used to develop budgets, model combat sizes and discusses technical issues and the logistics involved. I also enjoyed the section on defense technology. It provides many practical and topical examples and in doing so helps the readers grasp the concepts presented. Though wanting more and some minor reservations, this is a very useful book for any general reader interested in technical matters as it relates to defense policy. I recommend it.
February 28, 2023
The book was thorough and facilitates an understanding of war and the military that many would not normally come to through basic interactions with newspapers, magazines, documentaries, etc.
That said, I went in with an expectation (and hope) that I would better understand budget, allocations, and how readiness binds such things together. I don’t feel this helped drive that farther, but I don’t see a reason to not give it four stars as a quality body of research and a succinct delivery that doesn’t require tomes of reading.
That said, if you’re looking for tomes, there is no shortage of further readings available at the end of each chapter.
That said, I went in with an expectation (and hope) that I would better understand budget, allocations, and how readiness binds such things together. I don’t feel this helped drive that farther, but I don’t see a reason to not give it four stars as a quality body of research and a succinct delivery that doesn’t require tomes of reading.
That said, if you’re looking for tomes, there is no shortage of further readings available at the end of each chapter.
August 12, 2019
Solid Primer
Good primer on science of defense analysis. Best part was explanation of basics of defense budgeting and explanation of force planning models. Weapons and tech portion is dated but still helpful.
Good primer on science of defense analysis. Best part was explanation of basics of defense budgeting and explanation of force planning models. Weapons and tech portion is dated but still helpful.
April 5, 2022
Great, concise summary on defense procurement and shaping our defense capabilities. A must read for those who work in National Security.
February 16, 2016
The Science of War is an informative text book, although no more than adequate for its purpose. It examines four "scientific," quantitative areas of war planning - budget analysis, combat modeling, logistics and defense technology, providing generalists with basic frameworks through which to analyze major issues facing the military. These issues are not all encompassing, but touch on important subjects often clouded by what he calls ideological and political reasoning that makes effective analysis difficult, such as the potential impact and efficacy of test ban treaties, assessment of the size of the military, and planning combat outcomes (or assessing failures of foresight as occurred in Iraq).
While short, O'Hanlon managed to pack The Science of War full of useful facts, methods and frameworks. While I didn't walk away an expert (of course, I wasn't expecting to after 250 pages), I did come away with a better understanding of the issues faced by military planners and politicians.
While short, O'Hanlon managed to pack The Science of War full of useful facts, methods and frameworks. While I didn't walk away an expert (of course, I wasn't expecting to after 250 pages), I did come away with a better understanding of the issues faced by military planners and politicians.
December 20, 2013
Force projections, combat logistics, military budgets and technology deployment. These are conundrums that military planners grapple with at every theater of operation in peace and war alike.
In the "The Science of War: Defense Budgeting, Military Technology, Logistics and Combat Outcomes", Michael O'Hanlon demystifies the basics behind these concepts and lets you see under the hood of what happens in a typical US force deployment - including budgeting and deployment of assets.
The book is suitable reading for students of strategic studies who are keen to understand the complex decision making processes Pentagon and US military brass go through when the situation calls for it. O'Hanlon has successfully presented the facts in manner easily understandable by audiences who may not be too familiar with strategic terms.
In the "The Science of War: Defense Budgeting, Military Technology, Logistics and Combat Outcomes", Michael O'Hanlon demystifies the basics behind these concepts and lets you see under the hood of what happens in a typical US force deployment - including budgeting and deployment of assets.
The book is suitable reading for students of strategic studies who are keen to understand the complex decision making processes Pentagon and US military brass go through when the situation calls for it. O'Hanlon has successfully presented the facts in manner easily understandable by audiences who may not be too familiar with strategic terms.
May 4, 2019
One of the rare books on explaining the usage of different mathematical models of combat. Excellent. Having used Lanchester equations, Epstein Adaptive dynamic model and Dupuy QJMA and attrition model called TNDM I must say this type of book is a major requirement for combat modellers and users. The author however doesn't explain the evolution of these techniques and potential extentions that could be thought through. Nevertheless an excellent book to keep with you if you are in defence analysis and use various models for combat evaluation or are developing new models.
It may be useful for readers to read this book along with Dr N K Jaiswal Military Operations Research - quantitative decision making !
It may be useful for readers to read this book along with Dr N K Jaiswal Military Operations Research - quantitative decision making !
January 30, 2019
Terrific book. O'Hanlon explores a number of areas that anyone who claims to be a military expert should know. This includes budgeting, and how the Defense Department and the nation makes decisions in the building and employment of the military. For anyone who works at or above the theater level or on a service staff, this book serves as a useful primer.
December 8, 2012
This was a useful, thought provoking text book. I'll say more at the end of the term since the author of the book is also my professor. Wouldn't want to seem as if I am trying to curry favor with positive remarks.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews