The main factor that war can impact is the speed of...

The main factor that war can impact is the speed of implementation of new weaponry to deal with unexpected obstacles to effectively waging campaigns.

For example the speed at which a new weapon was introduced to deal with Saddam Hussein's bunker system. This bypassed most of the procedures usually followed in order to meet an operational need. The US Sec Def (and Aust minister for Defense?) has the authority to override normal systems to cope with urgent operational needs.

As to the applicability to MST tech - a long bow methinks unless urban fighting and riot suppression becomes a major operational necessity.

Situations which may be possible are PNG in our immediate neighbourhood where the volatile political events of the last few years could spiral into civil war.