Modern Weapons for Non-NATO Contingencies

James Digby

Expert InsightsPublished 1980

Discusses important changes in U.S. security policies over the past two years, especially the new high priorities for developing forces, weapons, and equipment that can be used in third-world confrontations and along NATO's flanks, and for the projection of power. Planners are thus greatly broadening the former, almost exclusive, focus on intercontinental nuclear war and the defense of NATO Europe against a massive Soviet attack. The author briefly discusses today's power-projection forces, especially the newly created Rapid Deployment Force, compares them with Soviet forces, notes the differences in geopolitical positions of the two opposing sides (including a number of potential advantages enjoyed by the United States and its allies), puts forward some general principles for forces designed to project power, and suggests some useful directions for weapons development.

Document Details

  • Copyright: RAND Corporation
  • Availability: Web Only
  • Year: 1980
  • Pages: 15
  • Document Number: P-6521

Citation

Chicago Manual of Style

Digby, James, Modern Weapons for Non-NATO Contingencies. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 1980. https://www.rand.org/pubs/papers/P6521.html.
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