The implications of the PGM era

T. F. Burke

Expert InsightsPublished 1977

Two major consequences of the advent of smart weapons in nonnuclear warfare are identified. These indicate a long-term need for radical change in the composition, organization, and operational concepts of forces. The time needed to develop, produce, and train is so long that a program initiated now and directed to a defined goal could barely yield a ready force by the year 2000. Present programs to improve the combat effectiveness of existing forces should not be relied upon to reach the goal in time through evolutionary steps. Short-term efforts should be paralleled by a program intended to define a long-term goal and to initiate developments for that purpose. A concept for the design of a force suited to the precision guided munitions era is suggested. Such a force would not exceed the economic capacity of the United States, but would face many serious political and social impediments, both domestic and foreign.

Document Details

  • Copyright: RAND Corporation
  • Availability: Web Only
  • Year: 1977
  • Pages: 32
  • Document Number: P-5815

Citation

Chicago Manual of Style

Burke, T. F., The implications of the PGM era. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 1977. https://www.rand.org/pubs/papers/P5815.html.
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