During the Cold War, the U.S. Army focused a large percentage of its combat power on the defense of Western Europe against possible Soviet aggression. Though America fought two low-intensity conflicts (Korea and Vietnam) during this era, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) obligations were the Army's first priority. Since any conflict with the Soviet Union in central Europe was envisioned as a clash between two large, tank-heavy forces, Army reconnaissance evolved to support this hypothetical mechanized conflict. The Cold War saw not only the evolution of mechanized reconnaissance, but also its use in places and under circumstances not originally envisioned. Dr. Bielakowski, associate professor at the Command and General Staff College won third place prize in the Cold War essay contest.