A new report released on Mar. 16 argues that the ability of military forces to adapt quickly during ongoing engagements can be more decisive than superior firepower or advanced equipment. The report, titled “The Quick and the Dead: How Adaptation in Contact Drives Military Advantage,” analyzes recent battlefield developments and historical examples to support its findings.
The topic is significant as it suggests a shift in what determines success in warfare. Rather than relying solely on technological superiority, the report highlights that the speed at which a force can learn and implement changes may now define military advantage.
According to the report, advancements in system performance and lethality often become obsolete before they can impact outcomes, especially as seen on current battlefields such as Ukraine. It notes that technologies like electromagnetic warfare and communication networks are evolving rapidly, with operational tactics changing over weeks instead of years. The authors point out that while previous revolutions in warfare were driven by exclusive access to new technologies—such as precision-strike weapons pioneered by the United States—today’s enablers like cloud computing and artificial intelligence are widely available globally.
The concept introduced, called “Adaptation in Contact,” describes a cycle where data from operations informs rapid updates to tactics, software, and hardware configurations. These validated changes are then deployed back into the field before adversaries can respond. The report cites Ukrainian maritime drone warfare as an example of this approach, where small teams iterated designs based on real-time feedback to counter Russian naval forces effectively.
However, the report warns that institutional barriers within organizations like the US military could slow down these learning loops. It identifies gaps between those who fight and those who equip them, divisions between operations and intelligence authorities, and rigid acquisition processes as key obstacles. To overcome these challenges, it recommends building digital infrastructure—such as intelligence pipelines and secure deployment channels—to enable faster adaptation across all levels of command.
Looking ahead, the report concludes that nations able to institutionalize rapid learning will set the terms for future military competition. It emphasizes that investments in adaptive infrastructure represent not just modernization but essential combat power for coming eras.
