Mass wartime provision contrasts sharply with the post-Cold War assumption that Western states would enter only wars they chose. That confidence encouraged planners to accept thin forces because potential opponents seemed unable to impose a major conflict on their own terms. Describing the Cold War as a confrontation that societies survived or did not avoids the false simplicity of calling it a victory. Within the helicopter scenario, the aside explains why a World War II convoy could field many short-ranged aircraft while modern fleets often expect one or two helicopters to cover several roles.
Notable Point · 7:21-8:02
Post-Cold War confidence thins defence depth
The assumption that Western states would choose every future war encouraged thin forces and reduced the redundancy that mass conflict demands.