From the Editor in Chief

Welcome to the Summer 2025 issue of Parameters. This issue consists of an In Focus special commentary, three forums (Indo-Pacific Challenges, Russia-Ukraine Issues, and Historical Studies)

Who Is in Charge of Cyber Incidence Response in the Homeland?

This article argues that the fragmented US cybersecurity framework—marked by the absence of a lead agency, insufficient whole-of-government coordination, and inconsistent private-sector compliance— undermines national resilience to cyber threats. Unlike existing literature that often focuses on technical vulnerabilities, this piece highlights systemic governance failures through detailed case studies of the SolarWinds, Colonial Pipeline, and Change Healthcare cyberattacks. The article identifies critical gaps in cyber incident response by drawing on incident reports, policy analysis, and expert commentary and offers actionable recommendations to strengthen national cybersecurity, making it especially relevant for policymakers and military practitioners concerned with protecting critical infrastructure

Book Review: The World Will Never See the Like: The Gettysburg Reunion of 1913

Author: John L. Hopkins Reviewed by Reverend Dr. Wylie W. Johnson, chaplain (retired), US Army War College class of 2010 The World Will Never See the Like: The Gettysburg Reunion of 1913, by John L. Hopkins, traces the story of the Gettysburg reunion from its inception in 1908 to its fruition in 1918, covering the community perspective, the veterans’ search for reconnection, spectators’ thoughts on the spectacle, and more. In the words of reviewer Wylie W. Johnson, “The takeaway for senior leaders from this compelling book is the overriding necessity for reconciliation.” ©2025 Wylie W. Johnsonhttps://press.armywarcollege.edu/parameters_bookshelf/1081/thumbnail.jp

Parameters Spring 2025

Welcome to the Spring 2025 issue of Parameters. This issue consists of an In Focus special commentary, three forums (Russia, Ukraine, and NATO; Strategic Competition and Managing National Security; and Joint Sustainment Strategies), the regular Civil-Military Relations Corner installment, and a review essay

Restoring the Primacy of Army Mobilization Planning: Lessons from the Interwar Period (1919–41)

This article argues that the US Army must restore the primacy of mobilization planning to prepare for the growing likelihood of a protracted large-scale war involving the United States. While the Army’s transformation initiatives have emphasized important tactical matters, this piece calls attention to critical strategic vulnerabilities associated with mobilization—one of the Army’s enduring core functions. The article identifies insights, challenges, and recommendations for contemporary leaders and practitioners by analyzing the body of thought on mobilization planning during the interwar period (1919–41) and drawing connections to the present day

From the Editor in Chief

Welcome to the Autumn 2025 issue of Parameters. We open with two In Focus commentaries. The first, “A Case for Military Proportionality: Disabling Nuclear Plants” by Henry Sokolski, offers practical ways in which military planners can disable civilian targets, such as nuclear infrastructure, without undermining operational goals, alliance cohesion, or long-term political objectives. Our second commentary, “The Consequences of Declining Patriotism in the United States” by Neil N. Snyder, presents findings from a national survey showing a decline in patriotism, especially among Generation Z nonveterans. His article highlights a growing civil-military values gap with implications for recruitment and national cohesion

Russian Novel Nuclear Weapons and War-Fighting Capabilities

This article argues that Russia’s novel nuclear-capable weapons will have a minor but real impact on Russian war-fighting capabilities in Eastern Europe. Using publicly available assessments, it evaluates the weapons’ characteristics individually and when taken together to determine their possible impact on war fighting, deterrence, and arms control. Additionally, it analyzes Russian war-fighting concepts to project how Russian strategists think about their use and how they might integrate them into Russian war-fighting concepts. The study’s conclusions will assist military strategists and policy practitioners plan for a potential regional war on NATO’s eastern flank

From the Editor in Chief

Welcome to the Spring 2025 issue of Parameters. This issue consists of an In Focus special commentary, three forums (Russia, Ukraine, and NATO; Strategic Competition and Managing National Security; and Joint Sustainment Strategies), the regular Civil-Military Relations Corner installment, and a review essay

Book Review: Marshall’s Great Captain: Lieutenant General Frank M. Andrews and Air Power in the World Wars

Author: Kathy Wilson Reviewed by Colonel Evan H. Gardner (US Air Force), faculty instructor, Department of Military Strategy, Planning, and Operations, US Army War College Marshall’s Great Captain is a biography of General Frank M. Andrews, one of the founders of the US Army Air Force. The author reveals the story of Andrews’s contribution to the creation of the Air Force and argues that he deserves more recognition. Her argument is accomplished through a detailed look at various aspects of Andrews’ life. This book is for anyone wanting to learn more about a relatively unknown legend of the Air Force.https://press.armywarcollege.edu/parameters_bookshelf/1088/thumbnail.jp

Book Review: Upstart: How China Became a Great Power

Author: Oriana Skylar Mastro Reviewed by Lieutenant Colonel Kelly R. M. Ihme, PhD, General Hoyt S. Vandenberg Chair of Aerospace Studies and assistant professor, Department of Distance Education, US Army War College Upstart: How China Became a Great Power, by Oriana Skylar Mastro, tracks China’s transition from a minor regional influence in the 1990s to a global power. The author developed and used the Upstart Strategy, which examines emulation, exploitation, and entrepreneurship, to offer predictive modeling that political and military leaders can use to anticipate China’s future trajectory. Reviewer Kelly Ihme applauds the specific and actionable recommendations for America and its allies.https://press.armywarcollege.edu/parameters_bookshelf/1093/thumbnail.jp