The Future of the Army in Domestic Operations: A Strategy for the 21st Century.
Abstract
With the disappearance of the Soviet threat, the military transitioned from a containment strategy to one of engagement. As a consequence, the Army is currently changing from a forward deployed, threat based force to a power projection, capabilities based force. Despite the fact that the military has played a significant role in the development of the nation, there has never been a stated strategy or policy for the employment of military forces in the domestic arena. With a smaller force and a reduced budget in the future, we can ill afford to continue without such a strategy. This paper outlines some components of a domestic strategy for the employment of military forces. In doing so, the author examines the historical roles and limitations of the military in the domestic arena. In addition, he identifies the domestic challenges and threats that the nation currently faces, as well as some military assets that may be used to address those threats. A key issue is that, unlike any other time in recent history, the country has the opportunity to utilize wisely some of the Army's resources to promote domestic prosperity.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA326857
Entities
People
- Lloyd J. Austin
Organizations
- United States Army War College