Measuring Military Capability: Progress, Problems, and Future Direction
Abstract
DOD defines "military capability" as the ability to achieve a specified wartime objective--for example, win a battle or a war or destroy a target. Military capability is a broad term which cannot be readily quantified; therefore, DOD has divided capability into the following four subsets or pillars: Readiness: the ability of the military forces, units, weapon systems, or equipment to deliver the output for which they were designed (i.e., for a tank to move and shoot) in peacetime and at the outset of hostilities. Readiness is measured in terms of manning, equipping, and training the force and is defined to include the forces ability to mobilize, deploy, and employ without unacceptable delays. l Sustainability: the staying power of military forces, or how long the forces can continue to fight. Sustainability involves the ability to resupply engaged forces during combat operations and is sometimes measured in terms of the estimated number of fighting days for which supplies are available.. Modernization: the technical sophistication of forces, units, weapon systems, and equipment. Modernization can include new procurement and/or modifications, depending on the service. Assessments of modernization may compare new types of equipment with the items they replaced or may compare equipment in the U.S. inventory with that of potential adversary forces. l Force structure: the numbers, size, and composition of units constituting the military forces. Force structure is usually described as numbers of divisions, ships, or wings.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- AD1166681
Entities
People
- Frank C. Conahan
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office