National Defense

National Defense examines the U.S. military procurement system and defense policies during the Cold War era. Published in 1981, the book draws from interviews with defense contractors, military personnel, and policy makers. The text analyzes specific weapons programs and acquisition processes to demonstrate systemic issues within military spending and development. Fallows investigates how political pressures and institutional dynamics affect military readiness and capabilities. Fallows contrasts American defense practices with those of other nations and explores alternative approaches to maintaining national security. He documents the relationship between Congress, the Pentagon, and defense contractors. The book presents a critique of bureaucratic decision-making and raises questions about the effectiveness of complex weapons systems versus simpler alternatives. Through detailed analysis, it challenges assumptions about military spending and force structure that remain relevant to contemporary defense policy discussions.

Readers find this 1981 critique of Pentagon procurement and military spending remains relevant today. Multiple reviewers note how its analysis of cost overruns, complex weapons systems, and military-industrial relationships still describes current defense issues. Readers appreciate: - Clear explanations of technical/military concepts for general audiences - Research and interviews backing key points - Specific examples and case studies of procurement problems Common criticisms: - Some data and examples now dated - Solutions proposed seem oversimplified - Writing style can be dry in technical sections Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (43 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (12 ratings) "Still describes exactly how the Pentagon wastes money today," notes one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads review states: "The problems he identified in 1981 persist - we're still buying overly complex weapons that don't work as advertised." Several readers mention frustration that issues highlighted over 40 years ago remain unresolved.

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🔹 The book, published in 1981, helped expose major problems with the F-16 fighter jet program and influenced subsequent military procurement reforms 🔹 James Fallows wrote this investigative work after serving as President Jimmy Carter's chief speechwriter from 1977-1979 🔹 The book won the National Book Award in the category of Current Interest (Nonfiction) in 1981 🔹 The research revealed that many expensive weapons systems were becoming so complex that they were actually less reliable in combat than their simpler predecessors 🔹 Fallows' analysis showed that the Pentagon was spending nearly 60% of its procurement budget on just 10 major weapons systems, leaving critical smaller needs underfunded