The Transformation of American Revolutionary Forces
Abstract
Many of the current and future global security challenges facing Western militaries could involve the rebuilding, or fresh formation, of Host Nation regular militaries as has occurred in both Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001. This may enable foreign forces to withdraw more rapidly, or avoid the requirement for them to deploy the first place. The transformation of American forces from colonial militias, through a hybrid force comprising both militias and the Continental Army, to a post-independence regular army was both unique and rapid. The American case study may assist in the conceptualization of future Security Force Assistance missions by identifying those elements that, during the period from 1775 to 1783, enabled American revolutionary forces to transform into a disciplined regular army. A number of factors contributed to the successful transformation of American revolutionary forces, but organization, logistics, and foreign expertise, all underpinned and supported by politics, was critical.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 25, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1038885
Entities
People
- Grant A. Brown
Organizations
- School of Advanced Military Studies