Product Details

• Actors: Will Lyman
• Directors: C. Scott Willis
• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, Letterboxed, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: PBS
• DVD Release Date: July 27, 2004
• Run Time: 60 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• ASIN: B00018U8XK
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #270,422 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Two wars rage on the Iraq battlefront. In one, laser-guided bombs, networked intelligence systems and unmanned aerial vehicles dominate an overwhelmed enemy. In the other, no-tech guerrilla insurgents play by their own rules, inflicting casualties and sowing chaos and mistrust.

This clash of ''smart'' technology versus desperate terrorism is causing some experts and government leaders to seriously question America’s battle plan, spending strategies, and political policies. NOVA offers a rare first-hand look at the remarkable innovations—and lethal frustrations—of the modern battlefield.

With exclusive access to government and military decision-makers, go inside the Pentagon and key defense agencies and discover how ultra-advanced weapons and systems were rushed from blueprint to battlefront. See how ''network-centric'' warfare is changing the way we fight. Hear the military leaders and experts argue that sophisticated technology may not be enough to prevail in a guerilla war. Finally, face the bigger question: In the heat of war, can even the most advanced weapons assure victory?

Special DVD features include: materials and activities for educators; a link to the NOVA Web site; scene selections; closed captions; and described video for the visually impaired.

On one DVD5 disc. Region coding: All regions. Audio: Dolby stereo. Screen format: Letterboxed.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars "Technology may win battles but can it win wars?", August 29, 2007

By 

Kyle Tolle (Phoenix, Arizona USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Nova - Battle Plan Under Fire (DVD)

After the terrorist attacks of September 2001, the United States military realized the importance of embracing new strategies for war in the 21st century. The new doctrine adopted for this was named `Transformation' and it is based on three key principles of knowledge, speed, and precision.

In helping to accomplish these new objectives, NOVA looks at several elements in use today such as unmanned drones, satellites, computer systems, GPS, spy planes, human intelligence capabilities, and even conventional weaponry that all play a significant role in helping to achieve its goals.

Impressive as all this advanced technology may be, it still suffers from imperfections and the consequences of this are explored in the program. Friendly fire and civilian casualties are some of the results of these types of problems and having all this modern equipment and expertise still does not guarantee decisive victories or seamless operations.

Network-Centric warfare is another new concept in that there is no inter-service rivalry and all main branches of the military can now utilize each others assets to complete missions and objectives. Examples of these successes and sometimes failures are looked at in this segment.

Following an American victory of reaching Baghdad in 2003, an examination of guerilla warfare in Iraq closes out this feature. Despite having superior military force and equipment, the United States is still faced with the constant unstable environments created by insurgents with their unpredictable and unconventional tactics.

`Battle Plan Under Fire' is a decent exploration of present and future innovations and technology utilized by American forces. Interviews with military and government experts reveal agreements and oppositions to the ongoing and oftentimes frustrating conflict in Iraq. Narration and video footage is well done and both compliment the main program in this interesting and thought provoking NOVA documentary.