Kevlar Legions: The Transformation of the United States Army 1989-2005

by Defense Information Systems Agency (Editor), U.S. Army Center of Military History (Editor)

Kevlar The Transformation of the U.S. Army, 1989–2005, is the story of how the United States Army responded to the challenges of the end of the Cold War by transforming itself into the most capable ground force in the world today. It argues that from 1989 through 2005 the U.S. Army attempted, and largely achieved, a centrally directed and institutionally driven transformation relevant to ground warfare that exploited Information Age technology, adapted to post–Cold War strategic circumstances, and integrated into parallel Department of Defense efforts. The process not only modernized equipment, it also substantially altered doctrine, organization, training, administrative and logistical practices, and the service culture. Kevlar Legions further contends that the digitized expeditionary Army has withstood the test of combat, performing superbly with respect to deployment and high-end conventional combat and capably with respect to low-intensity conflict and the counterinsurgency challenges of Iraq and Afghanistan.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Military History

559 pages, Paperback

First published October 30, 2011

Reviews

[Dale · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of back ground information here but I question some of the positive outcomes as described. Time will tell and as the book is already several years old it is telling.

[Maria · Rating 2 out of 5]

The world changed in 1989, the USSR dissolved and the Army had to reevaluate who its enemies were and how it should position itself in a post Cold War world.

Why I started this book: The topic is fascinating and current. Plus, I'm trying to work my way through the Professional Army Reading List.

Why I finished it book: Pure stubborness. This book was completely unreadable, dense with facts and yet also assuming a level of army understanding that is gained after serving in the Army for years, if not decades. This is history of the Army is revelant and interesting and the author slaughtered the book. I recommend just reading the last chapter which was his conclusions and then skimming any other chapter that interests you.