In the wars of the future, Owens contends, the United States' greatest asset will be satellite surveillance, which allows the military to survey entire countries with great precision, round the dock, in any weather. So the United States and its allies should "lift the fog of war" by creating a satellite network rather than continuing to build more planes and nuclear weapons -- and should tailor its military budget accordingly. Owens also urges the military to cut back its reliance on defense contractors and instead form open relationships with electronics and technology companies.

Owens is one of the true visionaries in the military world. His forward-looking book is a blueprint for a smaller, saner military, and it speaks directly about America's opportunities and responsibilities as the world's dominant military power.