The charge that ""the military mind lags behind military realities"" is basic to the thinking behind this vitally important book in which -- against the history and adventure of ""The Tenth Fleet"" Farago concludes that while our submarine offensive arm is powerful and foresighted, our defensive preparations are woefully inadequate. The purpose behind the book may be unpalatable, but the background of that shadowy defensive arm of World War II makes exciting reading. The book holds a beacon for today which should not be ignored and all interested in military current events will find it illuminating.