Strategic Assessment 1997: Flashpoints and Force Structure.
Abstract
The United States faces a new threat environment of unprecedented complexity and unpredictability. In addition to considering regional contingencies and operations other than war, defense planners will also have to meet the new challenges posed by the rise of potential theater-peer competitors, such as China and possibly Russia. This broader set of threats challenges the U.S. military to accomplish a broader set of tasks, including: (1) Establishing how best to incorporate RMA technology and concepts, especially to thwart military ambitions of a theater peer; (2) Maintaining the capability to defeat overwhelmingly a rogue regime in a major regional conflict, while successfully deterring and preparing to defect a second such regime; and (3) Providing a sufficient 'on call' capability for peace operations. Three heuristic force-structure models for the next decade: (1) The Recapitalization Force Model emphasizes continuity of the already excellent force but with some reductions in force structure to finance the recapitalization of equipment as it becomes obsolete; (2) The Accelerated Revolution in Military Affairs (RMA) Force Model quickly integrates system-of-systems technologies and radically changes the force structure to take full advantage of the new capabilities; and (3) The Pull Spectrum Force Model responds most directly to the emerging strategic environment by retaining most of the current force while experimenting with RMA technologies and creating an 'on call' capability to deal with operations other than war, requiring a higher budget than the other two forces.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA321373
Entities
Organizations
- National Defense University