A State of Permanent Evolution: From 1970s Training and Doctrine Command to 2018 Army Futures Command
Abstract
Great-power competition characterizes the current geopolitical environment according to the 2017 National Security Strategy. Russia again has become the US Army's pacing threat and China stands as its long-term threat. The overmatch gap the US Army once enjoyed has diminished as its adversaries continue to rapidly modernize. Budget considerations, rapid advancements in technology, and persistent combat operations increase the complexity of the environment and challenges the US Army's efforts as it looks to the future. Organizational evolution must occur to transition the US Army from an industrial to information age model that is prepared to dominate and win in future conflicts. Senior Army leaders recognized this need and began bold reforms to start this transition, epitomized by the creation of Army Futures Command in 2018. In 1973, the Army found itself in a similar period of organizational evolution embodied in the creation of Training and Doctrine Command. This paper seeks to establish the connections between reforms in 1973 and how they inform the current transformation of the US Army. Through that connection, this paper highlights the necessary ingredients for effective organizational change such as senior leadership involvement and identification of potential threats from adversaries. Analysis emphasizes the need for organizational evolution and Army Futures Command is the vehicle to transition the Army for the future.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 21, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1167586
Entities
People
- Robert T. Kelly
Organizations
- School of Advanced Military Studies