List of figures; Acknowledgments; List of abbreviations; Introduction; 1. The history of the OSD, 1947–1961; 2. Civilian control; 3. Continuity and change; 4. Taking charge of Vietnam policy; 5. When military problems become economic problems; 6. The fall of 1963; 7. McNamara's transition into the Johnson administration; 8. Decisions, indecisions, visions and revisions; 9. McNamara in crisis, 1966–1968; Conclusion; Appendix 1: Cast of characters; Bibliography; Index.