U.S.-China Competition: Asia-Pacific Land Force Implications
Abstract
This report is the product of the U.S. Army War Colleges (USAWC) inaugural Integrated Research Project (IRP) on "U.S.-China Competition: Asia-Pacific Land Force Implications." It addresses a Chief of Staff, Army priority research topic and was sponsored by the U.S. Army Pacific and the Headquarters, Department of the Army, Directorate of Strategy and Policy (HQDA G-35). The report resulted from a whole-of-War-College effort. Core curriculum and regional elective studies augmented student research and facilitated analysis. The Center for Strategic Leadership hosted an implementation workshop to solicit subject matter expertise on recommendations and implementation plans. Faculty from across the USAWC supported the analytical debate, mentored student participants, and reviewed the written contributions. Additionally, the USAWC team engaged in extensive dialogue with senior military leaders, both in theater and at Carlisle Barracks, to explore issues and develop recommendations. This research project drew on insights from a power transition theory, using the Chinese game of "go" as an analog. Additionally, it considered the concept of "gray zone" competition, while taking into account the vital role regional allies and partners play in achieving U.S. strategic outcomes. The key findings of the research project are: (1) counter-intuitively, the Asia-Pacific is a land force centric maritime theater; (2) the U.S.-China relationship continues to emerge as the central "determinant dynamic" for the future of Asia-Pacific international relations; (3) a range of economic, diplomatic, and security relationships impact gray zone competition in the theater; and, (4) the U.S. Army requires a change in mindset to compete successfully in the gray zone, and senior defense and Joint Force leaders must understand the nature of this space to create a force capable of competing. This report presents nine recommendations and an implementation plan.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1020909
Entities
People
- Alberto Rodriguez-cruz
- Danielle Ngo
- David Lai
- Galbadrakh Togoo
- Hung D. Nguyen
- Jason P. Conroy
- Jose A. Arana
- Lance R. Eldred
- Mark Illg
- Sang K. Lee
- Tom Asbery
- William Iii G. Braun
Organizations
- United States Army War College