How to Build Capability in Armed Forces: An Examination of U.S. Marine Corps Processes and a Reflection on How the U.S. Department of Defense Attempts to Build Partner Capability

Abstract

Since 9/11/2001 and especially since the advent of specific Department of Defense (DOD) authorities to transfer equipment and training to allies and partners, we observe a steady decrease in the resources allotted to assess the requirements of partners much less their ability to develop, resource, generate, and sustain their armed forces. This has created a backwards cycle in which pressure to increase partner capability leads to weapon system transfer decisions first and institutional assessment and capacity building after decisions to purchase and transfer equipment have already been made. This Institute for Defense Analyses paper provides a detailed explanation and example of U.S. Marine Corps capability requirements, resourcing, and acquisition processes. The purpose is to provide a mirror to DOD to reflect upon how it builds sustainable capability for itself, compared to how it attempts to builds capability with its partners.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 2022
Accession Number
AD1204599

Entities

People

  • Aaron C. Taliaferro
  • Cameron J. Swann
  • Christina M. Patterson

Organizations

  • Institute for Defense Analyses

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Cyber
  • Engineered Resilient Systems
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aircrafts
  • Automatic Rifles
  • Department Of Defense
  • Employment
  • Environment
  • Governments
  • Grenade Launchers
  • Lessons Learned
  • Machine Guns
  • Military Acquisition
  • Military Science
  • National Security
  • Operating Systems
  • Organizational Structure
  • Small Arms
  • Test And Evaluation
  • United States
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Enterprise Information Systems Architecture and Joint Command Capability Interoperability Support.
  • Public Financial Management and Budgeting
  • Strategic Security Studies