Drift: The Unmooring of American Military Power

I got this book because I've become a huge fan of THE RACHEL MADDOW SHOW on MSNBC. I knew it was published about a decade ago, but still thought I might find it interesting. I was right.Rachel's writing is excellent, and the book was utterly fascinating. Although I lived through the time periods covered, and have always been a news junkie, I learned a LOT from this book. I also learned much about our military's well-hidden history of nuclear mishaps and dirty bomb detonations.

If you're a Maddow viewer... well... her writing is exactly the same style as her show segments.Make a point and then rephrase it at least two more times for emphasis. And very often it is attention grabbing, effective communication... but sometimes "get-on-with-it" irritating.In writing it just slows you down by making it impossible to disconnect the internal vocalization... her voice inside your head. It's the strongest connection since I read Shelby Foote's excellent Civil War trilogy after seeing his segments in the Ken Burns' documentary. But where I finally surrendered to Shelby's s l o w... s o u t h e r n... d r a w l.... for over a thousand pages... I found myself fighting Rachel's narration in my head.Content? Well it's strong and far from the full blown anti-war/pease-nik rhetoric you might expect from a "lefty icon". More the case against stupid wars/fights that we are thrust into "by people with no skin in the game who extol the virtues of our fighting forces while abusing the #@&% out of them" than "peace at any cost".Read and donated to my local library...

Drift is an outstanding examination of how the United States discusses and decides to go to war, specifically how going to war has been made easier. The main point made by the author is that the members of the public have been insulated from the impacts of war on their lives. This produces citizens who are not motivated to stay informed about wars let alone question or oppose wars in a meaningful way. Dr Rachel Maddow uses three arguments to support the assertion that America is insulated from war. First, congress has abdicated its responsibility to openly debate, approve or disapprove wars. Second, the military, through a combination of organization and reliance on contractors, has insulated the public from the pain of sending troops to war. Finally, it is too easy for the executive to go to war and the executive has too many temptations to take the country into combat.This book appeals to many different audiences but for different reasons. Most important, every American voter should read this book. The author asserts that congress has been given a free pass on many issues related to going to war. Also, the congress has allowed the executive to consolidate too much power to initiate wars with insufficient consultation of congress. Regardless of what an American citizen decides about going to war, reading this book will motivate citizens to become more informed and demand accountability of their representatives when deciding to use United States military force. Defense leaders, military and civilian, should read this book to understand the impact of their actions on the decision to go to war and stay at war. While ultimately the decision to use military force is a civilian decision, defense leader actions, in the organization and design of the United States military, has a significant impact on the discussion and decision to use military force.To its credit, this book is written in a style that is very informal. The complex ideas addressed are presented in a way that does not require a law degree to understand. The arguments are well laid out and supported. The points made are clearly linked to the constitution and American tradition. This book should not be dismissed as the latest contribution to infotainment. It is written to appeal to today’s audience but it is as thoughtful as the writings of our nation’s founders. The historical examples are relevant and add greatly to the book. The snarky style will be enjoyed by some and less enjoyed by others but it is simply a reflection of the engaging way the author communicates.One item Dr Maddow does not sufficiently address is the adaptability of politicians and political systems. The United States did not arrive at this situation overnight, attempts to change will likely see organizational and individual efforts to resist. Addressing the ways in which those wishing to maintain the current balance of power will attempt to resist change would be a great addition to this book.Additionally, some details about military operations are a bit sensationalized. In particular statements about drone employment. It is possible information about the drone program isn’t available. This would seem to support Doctor Maddow’s claim that more open and public discussion is needed about American involvement in combat operations. The sensationalism does not make the main points less valid but it could distract some readers.Finally, Dr. Maddow’s desire to clearly link requirements to determining the number of nuclear weapons needed by the United States is in line with the goal of more open debate. However, the specificity of her conclusion, “less nuclear weapons,” seems a bit out of place when compared with other conclusions.Overall this book is worthy of being read because it is neither pro-war nor anti-war. Rather, it advocates thoughtful war. If the recommendations of this book were heeded it is likely that the United States would be involved in less war. However, the book presents very convincing arguments that current organization and policies have reduced the debate to go to war and in turn may have allowed wars to begin or continue without properly defining goals and understanding cost. The public should not be oblivious to war, it should be informed and their representatives should be thoughtful and accountable in committing the United States military to combat. Reading this book will help motivate citizens to become more informed and defense leaders to be more aware of their part in the debate and decision to go to war.

Rachel Maddow's Drift is an excellent read that will stun those just getting in to our country's politics and history, and gratify those who have long appreciated a writer whose intelligence and depth of coverage offers a finely nuanced story showing how political machinations effect our every day lives and futures. She has a great gift of being able to explain a situation in such a way that you want to keep reading...compelling..

I like Rachel Maddow, so I was predisposed to like her book. It’s obvious that she did a lot of research. Even though I had some knowledge of the military-industrial complex, I learned quite a bit. The facts are stark and troubling regarding our drift—hence the book’s title— toward ever-increasing military spending and involvement around the world. Rachel discusses the factors that determine that increasing drift. Although the facts in the book are troubling, Rachel delivers the information with her unique blend of wry wit and droll humor. I highly recommend this book.

I Expected the book to be more slanted than it was. I expected her to be more critical of Republican Versus Democratic presidents. But she kept to the topic and presented a strong case on how congress’s control over military operations has slowly eroded since Regan and our cultures increasing complacency to accept responsibility for the cost of our military readiness and its increasing use outside our country. It’s also a nice review of past presidency’s policy and the conflicts they choose to be involved in. I am not a fan of Rachel’s TV Program but she writes an well informed book.The problem started with the elimination of the draft. The elimination of the draft reduce’s the impact of war on the general public and the resulting push back. Increased use of contractors mask both the manpower commitment and the cost because the money comes from different budgets. Contractors are also outside the direct control of congress. I was unaware of the problems of maintaining an aging nuclear arsenal. The thesis is supported with numerous dates and facts and is interestingly written.

A well researched and compelling criticism of an unconstitutional shift that no longer seems to be questioned, but that presidents and companies that stand to benefit from it are beginning to see as the norm. Time to walk it back. Rachel Maddow's style makes the subject an easy read.

I could find some things that bothered because of being old enough to have parallel experiences. Lots of revealing information, especially on equipment and training, or the lack of it. Action replay of some of the last with US Navy collisions as at September 2017.

Witty and insightful and very well informed Rachel Maddow's take on how US has drifted into a conundrum of constant war at a time of peace.

Excellent book written in a style you associate with Rachel so no disappointments here,explanations a plenty to the US/Bush situation.

interesting book