The New Technology of War

They say that the last great war won't be fought on the battlefield, but in cyberspace, with computers and remote-controlled armaments clashing in a final confrontation between murky ideologies. In the meantime, America appears to be on the cutting-edge of tech-based tactics, according to the five hour-long installments of this intriguing documentary series produced by Popular Mechanics. Concentrating on “Ground Forces” (everything the tech-laden solider will need), “Air Power” (pushing mach speed to aid in air defense), “Sea Power” (utilizing global networks to coordinate security options), “Counter Terrorism” (protecting the people back home), and “The Future of War” (an all-encompassing wrap-up), The New Technology of War offers insider information on how science and defense contracting combine to create major military breakthroughs. Via interviews with key participants, CG animation, and research footage, viewers learn how nanotechnology is perfecting lightweight body armor, how engine modifications are making planes 10 times faster, and how sophisticated terrorism detection devices can be easily hid in everyday public places (mass transit kiosks, for example). Visually slick and loaded with techno-jargon, the series presents an intriguing glimpse of how enemies will be engaged in the future (not surprisingly, given the subject, the topics of diplomacy and peace never come up). Recommended. Aud: P. (B. Gibron)