This book offers a new explanation of why some armed forces are stronger than others. The author advances a 'command structure theory' which says armed forces organized to facilitate swift and accurate perception of and response to battlefield developments will cope better with war's inherent uncertainty, use resources effectively, and, quite often, win. Case studies of battles from the Russo-Japanese War, Chinese Civil War and Korean War underscore the argument, showing that even smaller and materially weaker militaries can fight effectively against and defeat larger and better endowed adversaries when they are organizationally prepared to manage uncertainty.

Commanding military power -- Liaoyang -- Huai-Hai campaign -- The 5th Phase Offensive -- The 3rd Phase Offensive -- Conclusion.