As the war in Iraq drags on toward an indefinite conclusion, this timely NOVA program explores the strengths and weaknesses of high-tech (or "net-centric") warfare as waged by the United States in Afghanistan and Iraq since 2001. Produced in collaboration with reporters from the New York Times, this hour-long examination offers unprecedented access to top military officials and defense contractors for a thorough study of "brilliant" weapons--accurate to within two meters of their target--and why they are often next to useless against guerilla tactics such as those employed by Iraqi insurgents. The scientific detail is utterly fascinating, but even more compelling is the notion that "transformation"--technological transitions in military culture and the advent of heavily-funded "laptop" warfare--may ultimately prove to be ineffective against more unconventional forms of military conflict. Throughout, we see astonishing demonstrations of cutting-edge hardware (allowing lethal precision and instant real-time relays of detailed information from all fronts of combat) and hear convincing arguments from both sides of the transformation issue. One pivotal conclusion, from a former commandant of the Army War College and coauthor of the book The Iraq War, suggests that success in battle depends not so much on technology, as on a thorough awareness of the enemy's culture, language, and history. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (J. Shannon)
Battle Plan Under Fire
(2004) 60 min. VHS or DVD: $19.95. WGBH Boston Video. PPR. Color cover. Closed caption. ISBN: 1-59375-138-9 (vhs), 1-59375-139-7 (dvd). Volume 19, Issue 6
Battle Plan Under Fire
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