Dirty little secrets

Dirty Little Secrets: Military Information You're Not Supposed to Know was published in 1990 by James F. Dunnigan, a noted military historian and defense consultant. Written in the immediate aftermath of the Cold War, the book was intended to demystify the complexities of military operations, weaponry, and defense strategy for a lay audience. Dunnigan sought to peel back the layers of bureaucratic jargon and official propaganda to provide a pragmatic, often cynical, look at how military organizations actually function.

The design and content of the book reflect Dunnigan's expertise in wargaming and systems analysis. He organized the information into concise, modular entries that prioritized tactical realities over political narratives. While the book challenged the conventional wisdom surrounding high-tech weaponry and defense spending, it was generally well-received for its accessible, data-driven approach. It became a staple for readers interested in defense analysis and remained a notable example of late-twentieth-century military critique.