Buying the Wrong Weapons.

I enjoyed reading your article "Why the Pentagon Keeps Buying the Wrong Weapons." (November 2008) In reference to the Lancaster model, you wrote how increased capabilities allows for smaller numbers. There may be another element at work here and a reason for pursuing this methodology when developing and procuring these flashy high-tech systems.

In my opinion, the political "Clausewitzian" element and the political linkage to war fighting may also be indirectly providing the catalyst for development of these types of flashy highly capable systems. Procuring these systems makes it an attractive option for political leaders. It is a more attractive option to send in 100 soldiers of Marines who can do the work of 1,000 and it is easier to send five aircraft or naval vessels that have the capability of 50 into danger and risk the political fallout if something terrible happened. The American public has a low threshold for American blood being spilled. To prove my point just look at the developing UAV programs. The Predator was first used as an observation/intelligence tool and now it is armed.

The Navy is developing the UCAV which is also armed. Continuing this path to its logical conclusions shows us that in the future a president may be more likely to risk a war if he or she believes the human cost to the United States is nonexistent.

Bradd A. Buckingham

Fairfax, VA