This mildly critical overview of U.S. military capabilities and future defense needs is presented here with competence and balance. It is probably useful for the general audience for which it is apparently intended. Those more steeped in defense issues will find little that is new in detail or analysis. - Robert E. Osgood, foreignaffairs.com

Acknowledgements -- The problem : military malaise -- The environment : limits on American power -- The people : loving the military and leaving it -- The weapons : technological dreams, strategic visions, organizational rituals -- The nuclear issues : more bang, more bucks -- The conventional issues : politics and preparedness -- The prescription : measured military renewal.