摘要：Anation’s capability and will to fight are interdependent critical factors in determining military operational success in conflict. Thepossibility of a kinetic war, however slight, now occupies theminds of policy makers. As great power competition and worry over potential great power conflict (GPC) increases, it is vital to consider the effects of attrition and the demands such conflict would require. The UnitedStates’ ability to tolerate manpower attrition and sustain the force in a waragainst a near-peer competitor is one factor that could determine American will to fight—and ultimate success—in a great power war. Many planners expect conflict to remain in the “grey zone” or the cyber domain withless risk of violence. But what if they are wrong? In the next GPC thenation may be vulnerable to platform and human attrition. The potentialof such a conflict ultimately raises questions of the will to fight, reasonablerisks, and associated casualties.
