Rumsfeld: What transformation means.

• Author: Book, Elizabeth G.
• Position: Washington Pulse

Asked how his transformation initiatives are playing out in the war in Afghanistan, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said he thought that was a "fascinating question."

The issue of transformation, he said, is more than just about new weapons or technologies. It's about a new way of confronting and defeating unconventional enemies, such as the Al Qaeda network. "One of the things that I think is taking place is that we are beginning to understand better that, if you're not after an army or a navy or an air force, [you have to bring] all elements of national capability and world capability ... the economic and the financial and the law enforcement and the intelligence gathering, as well as overt activities, as well as covert activities.

The combination of all those capabilities, he added, is what "makes life difficult" for the enemy.

In terms of weapon systems that are...