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Authors David Barno and Nora Bensahel provide a critical look into how and why the U.S. military needs to become more adaptable. Every military must prepare for future wars despite not really knowing the shape such wars will ultimately take. As former U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates once noted: "We have a perfect record in predicting the next war. We have never once gotten it right." In the face of such great uncertainty, militaries must be able to adapt rapidly in order to win. Adaptation under Fire identifies the characteristics that make militaries more adaptable, illustrated through historical examples and the recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Introduction : Why military adaptation? -- Part 1. A framework for analysis -- Understanding adaptation -- The role of doctrine -- The role of technology -- The role of leadership -- Part 2. The recent wars -- Doctrinal adaptation in Iraq and Afghanistan -- Technological adaptation in Iraq and Afghanistan -- Tactical leadership adaptation in Iraq and Afghanistan -- Theater leadership adaptation in Iraq and Afghanistan -- Part 3. Looking to the future -- The challenges of future war -- U.S. military adaptability today -- Recommendations for improving adaptability.

Authors David Barno and Nora Bensahel provide a critical look into how and why the U.S. military needs to become more adaptable. Every military must prepare for future wars despite not really knowing the shape such wars will ultimately take. As former U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates once noted: "We have a perfect record in predicting the next war. We have never once gotten it right." In the face of such great uncertainty, militaries must be able to adapt rapidly in order to win. Adaptation under Fire identifies the characteristics that make militaries more adaptable, illustrated through historical examples and the recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.