Force XXI and the American Way of War.
Abstract
This study examines the Force XXI concept to determine whether it overturns old paradigms of warfare or is merely a continuation of a traditional American approach to war. The study begins by identifying the characteristics of the American military system and the sources or causes for those characteristics. Next, the study draws on key Force XXI literature to describe the concepts that are shaping current and emerging Army doctrine. Finally, by analyzing the emerging concepts and the data used to illustrate them in official publications, this study assesses whether the doctrine is truly a rational extension of these empirical observations or a derivation of traditional military views. The traditional American approach to war resulted from the convergence of American liberal ideology, the demands of the Western military profession, and an abundance of material resources. All of these factors exist today, and, not surprisingly, Force XXI continues to reflect them. Force XXI contains new ideas and places great emphasis on the incorporation of new technology, but it continues the Army's traditional emphasis on strategies of annihilation and offensive action. Rather than bringing fundamental change, technology provides the means for the Army to avoid changing its approach to warfare. Technology offers the possibility for the Army to win wars of annihilation despite reductions in its size during an era of fiscal restraint.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 19, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA300726
Entities
People
- David M. King
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College