U.S. Strategic Maneuver: A New World Order Requires Some New Thinking, Not Reorganization.
Abstract
The current changes in the kinds of world threats we face and the requirement to downsize U.S. forces pose as significant challenge to the military as significant as those confronted at the end of World War II. The concept of Strategic Maneuver within the military, accompanied by a focusing process of (areas-to-threats-to-interests-to-resources-to-requirements) using the current organization, will allow a smaller force to operate effectively. The Persian Gulf War proved that the concept of Strategic Maneuver, formed by prioritizing and combining the individual and unique capabilities of each military services, is the best method to meet the future defense needs. The alternative plan of service reorganization and downsizing within compels the planners to unlearn all of the post-Viet Nam lessons. New mobility concepts such as the C-17's, for more efficient air lifting, and SL-7's for faster shipping cannot by themselves form the mindset needed to maintain efficiency. This paper argues that the wheel does mot have to be reinvented in order for a smaller one work as well.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 21, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA240425
Entities
People
- Douglas E. Humston
Organizations
- Naval War College