The US Army and the Nuclear Battlefield of the 1950s–60s
My forthcoming book with Helion Press. In The Pentomic Army, I explore the U.S. Army’s radical 1956–1962 Pentomic transition, a desperate bid for relevance on the nuclear battlefield. Driven by Eisenhower’s “New Look” strategy and intense inter-service rivalry for dwindling resources, the Army sought to transform and operate effectively in a future defined by atomic warfare.
This book delves into the doctrinal changes that envisioned a dispersed, non-linear battlefield with small, mobile units capable of delivering immense firepower. It details the ambitious pursuit of highly technical weaponry, including nuclear-capable surface-to-surface missiles and the versatile application of helicopters. I also examine the significant challenges in recruiting and retaining technically proficient personnel for this new, complex force, often struggling against public perception and inter-service competition.
While skillfully managing its public image as a modern and forward-thinking force, the Pentomic structure ultimately failed as a viable combat organization. Its shortcomings stemmed from impractical doctrine, technological gaps, and logistical complexities, leading to its eventual abandonment. This book reveals how this pivotal, though ill-fated, experiment profoundly shaped the U.S. Army’s institutional culture and enduring approach to modern warfare.
The Pentomic Army: The U.S. Army and the Nuclear Battlefield in the 1950s-60s is illustrated throughout with original photographs and the @War series’ signature colour artworks.