Western governments and military institutions face an array of contemporary warfighting challenges which require rapid solutions. It comprises an intellectual deficit in our military institutions. What are they, and how might they be addressed? 1/7 (Image: @DefenceU)
2/ The ground war remains largely static. Where advances have been made, they are achieved at very large costs. The drone & missile war has more dynamism. However, it is still yet to prove politically or strategically decisive.
3/ Western military institutions face 5 significant warfighting challenges which require solutions. There is a significant body of evidence for these from Ukraine, and to a lesser degree, from conflicts in the Middle East & South Asia, as well as from Chinese activities in the Pacific.
4/ Among the most compelling challenges is the Massing versus Dispersion Predicament. Massing military forces for ground aerial attacks or naval operations has become high risk. And, even if forces can be protected when they mass, they are assured of detection making surprise difficult.
May 14, 2025 06:405/ Another challenge is tactically closing with the enemy Modern combat forces require new era techniques which are quicker, lower signature and more survivable at crossing the tactical spaces between them and their objectives.
6/ And, survivable logistics is crucial. Unfortunately, military logistics units, depots and networks are one of the most visible elements in a theatre . Why would an enemy hit well camouflaged combat units when larger, higher signature sustainment organisations are easier to find and easier to hit?
7/ Military organizations must redefine their appreciation of war. They must also invest in the intellectual endeavours that produce the new ideas & organisations that leverage technology and people to succeed in modern war. See more in my latest article here:
mickryan.substack.com/p/the-wests-...
The West’s Intellectual Deficit in Modern War
Western governments and military institutions face an array of contemporary warfighting challenges which require rapid solutions. What are they, and how might they be addressed?
