Book Review: Next War: Reimagining How We Fight
Book Review: Next War: Reimagining How We Fight
Next War: Reimagining How We Fight
By John Antal, 28 September 2023
ISBN 978-1-63624-335-1
By John Antal, 28 September 2023
ISBN 978-1-63624-335-1
Current and anticipated conflicts are nothing like previous ones. How wars are waged is being transformed before our very eyes, with massive implications for tomorrow’s Army. Next War: Reimagining How We Fight, written by Colonel John F. Antal (Retired), examines the following top disruptors, which are changing our current methods of war:
- Transparent battlespace.
- First-strike advantage.
- Artificial intelligence and the tempo of war.
- Top attack.
- Full autonomy.
- Super swarm.
- Kill web.
- Visualization of the battlespace.
- Decision dominance.
These disruptors are examined through the lens of speculative but—based on current events and ongoing conflicts—plausible near-future conflicts. Comprehensive discussions follow individual vignettes.
Colonel Antal explores and explains technologies and capabilities that currently have a major impact, such as Starlink© satellites and hybrid robotics, in detail. He also discusses the unique limitations and opportunities associated with urban conflicts, which are seemingly becoming the norm.
Next War is essential reading for all protection professionals and planners. We must reimagine how we fight and how we protect today in order to prevail in future wars.
About the Reviewer
Colonel Parker (Retired) is the deputy chief of the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Proponent Office–Protection, Fielded Force Integration Directorate, Maneuver Support Center of Excellence. He holds a bachelor’s degree in earth science from Pennsylvania State University, University Park; a master’s degree in environmental management from Samford University, Homewood, Alabama; a master’s degree in engineering management from Missouri University of Science and Technology at Rolla; and a master’s degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He retired as a colonel from the U.S. Army Reserve.