Affording Defence [Hardcover]

Jacques S. Gansler (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1989

Jacques Gansler's previous book "The Defense Industry, " was hailed by Senator William Proxmire as "a superb analysis of our defense problems." "Air Force" magazine called it a "brilliant dissection of the US. armament industry." Now, with "Affording Defense, " Gansler again points the way toward a national security policy that will enable us to proceed, safely and prosperously into the 21st century. In large part, American national-security policy dates back to the 1950s, when the United States was dominant militarily politically, and economically. The country's position has changed since then, but its policy has not. Gansler warns that the old ways of thinking are no longer applicable. In this far-reaching, practical book he addresses the crucial changes that must be made to meet the challenges of an age marked by terrorism and national radicalism. Gansler's sensible proposals for reform and revitalization are based on extensive research and on his broad experience in private industry and in weapons procurement for the Department of Defense. He identifies areas where armed conflict may break out in the future, considers the development of defense strategy and the hard choices to be faced in carrying out that strategy, examines the provision of weapons and personnel for the armed services; and compares the United States' approach with those of other Western countries and the Soviet Union. Jacques S. Gansler is Senior Vice President and Director of The Analytic Sciences Corporation (TASC) and a faculty member of the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Though well within the ability of informed laypersons, this will mostly appeal to specialists. The last chapter on changes needed in defense procurement, personnel policies, and behavior of the industry should be required reading for military bureaucrats, members, and staffers. Gansler's recommendations are probably far too sensible to ever be even considered, much less implemented, by Congress or the Defense Department. Libraries with Defense Game by Richard A. Stubbing with Richard A. Mendell ( LJ 9/15/86) or Donald Snow's National Security : Enduring Problems of U.S. Defense Policy (St. Martin's, 1986) will find this more analytical and less historical than the former and more detailed than the latter. Recommended for larger collections.
- Gerald Sandvick, North Hennepin Community Coll., Brooklyn Park, Minn.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"Jack Gansler is one of the nation's experts on defense acquisition policy. Affording Defense is a concise summary of the pressing problems we face in providing an effective and affordable defense for the future."
—Sam Nunn, Chairman, U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services



"Affording Defense is a book that forever changes one's view of military spending... If all his reform were adopted, Mr. Gansler thinks the Pentagon would save $50 billion a year, or one-sixth of what it now spends. He makes a persuasive case. It's time for the Pentagon to start listening."
—Fred Barnes, New York Times Book Review --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 360 pages
• Publisher: MIT Press (January 1, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0262071177
• ISBN-13: 978-0262071178
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,521,700 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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