The Pentomic Army: The US Army and the Nuclear Battlefield of the 1950s–60s

In The Pentomic Army, Robert F. Williams explores 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. Williams also examines 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.