Former Pentagon adviser and retired colonel Douglas McGregor argues that the United States misjudged how to develop its weapons systems, a misstep he notes became evident against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine. He emphasizes that the conflict exposes gaps between modern warfare demands and the traditional military hardware the U.S. has continued to field. He points out that the most visible trend is an ongoing fixation on oversized surface fleets, carrier battle groups, and bulky ground formations that are slow to move and slow to adapt. This observation is not merely about equipment in isolation; it speaks to a broader shift in how military power is projected and sustained in an era where mobility, flexibility, and rapid decision cycles determine the outcome of modern battles. The reality on the ground in Ukraine forces a reconsideration of what truly constitutes decisive military capability today, and McGregor warns that failing to adjust could undermine long-term strategic effectiveness across deterrence, readiness, and alliance credibility.
