The Geeks of War: The Secretive Labs and Brilliant Minds Behind Tomorrow's Warfare Technologies

By John Edwards

Book Overview

"Wars are fought on the battlefield, but the technologies that enable 21st century warfare are developed in research laboratories. Within the walls of corporate, government, and academic labs,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0814408524
• ISBN13: 9780814408520
• Release Date: June 2005
• Publisher: Amacom Books
• Length: 221 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.5" x 0.8" x 6.5"
• Age Range: 17 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 12 and higher

Customer Reviews

A fine analysis of the next generation of weapons and communications systems

Military technologies of modern times may be viewed as primitive tomorrow: that's the message of The Greeks Of War: The Secretive Labs And Brilliant Minds Behind Tomorrow's Warfare Technologies. New military techniques are born in not just government labs, but private and academic labs as well: author Edwards gained access to individuals at these institutions and conducted interviews with the scientists, analysts and program directors involved in battlefield technology. From how weapons are developed to other lines of wartime technology, Geeks Of War offers fine analysis of the next generation of weapons and communications systems.

Fascinating Insights into Military Technology

A nation at war focuses media attention on the technology that protects our warfighters, provides an advantage over the enemy, and protects the homeland. Interest in the development of technology to improve our lives is intense, and in demand. "If we can send a man to the moon, why can't we......? In Geeks, John Edwards, a veteran business technology journalist, takes us on a fascinating ride through a rich resource of developments. While these inventions, creations, products, and emerging technologies are initially designed to enhance military effectiveness, a large proportion have civilian applications that can significantly improve our quality of life. Readers will enjoy an eye-opening tour through seven (chapters) technological arenas. After a relatively slow start through the introduction-interesting, but not exciting, we begin with a look at tactical systems. Finding things and breaking them is the way the author describes this aspect of war-an apt description. With our imaginations tickled by the creativity and possibilities of these almost-science fiction advances, we continue our journey with a look at how information is gathered and applied. More and more of the civilian applications leap from the pages. We begin to wonder how many of these hi-tech (OK, geeky) ideas are actually reality already, and how many are still in the design phase. The book explores developments in telecommunications (like ad hoc wireless networks), reconnaissance (a robot that can fly), disaster relief (mass casualty treatment), and easily transferable health, medicine, and biotechnology advances (QuikClot to stop serous bleeding). Logistics, security, and clothing are covered in the final three chapters. As you near the end of the book, your eyes-and mind-may glaze over in amazement and intellectual overload. The intriguing research into intelligence and high-tech clothing will hold your attention. A valuable glossary follows the text, a welcome tool. The book is well-indexed, a helpful feature when you want to find something to discuss with someone else. And you probably will! The surprisingly enjoyable book-I didn't expect such an imaginative work that was highly readable at the same time-will be of interest to young and old, military and not. Innovators in all fields will find the text stimulating. You won't find political statements or innuendos, just straight reporting.