Scott Sigmund Gartner develops a theory to explain how military and government leaders evaluate wartime performance, how much they change strategies in response to this evaluation, and why they are frequently at odds when discussing the success or failure of strategic performance.

Strategy and organization -- The dominant indicator approach -- British antisubmarine decision making in world war I and II -- U.S. ground strategy in the Vietnam War -- Disagreement during the Vietnam war and the hostage rescue attempt in Iran -- Decision making in war.