Leaping Ahead to the 21st Century
Abstract
The strategy advanced in the recent Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) reflects the world as it is, not as we may wish it was. Its strategy is captured by the terms shape, respond, prepare. First, it recognizes that we have a unique chance to shape the international environment. Second, we must have the ability to respond to a full spectrum of crises wherever national security interests are at risk around the world. Last, we must prepare for the future. This may be the most difficult part of the strategy because it calls for discipline and courage to manage risk, balancing the needs of today against the requirements of tomorrow. While shaping and responding to a changing world we must prepare joint forces to conduct traditional and new missions with innovative means. To anticipate the future we must overlook the constraints imposed today on technology and military capabilities and focus on 2020. Managing risks, making investments, and looking forward are keys to retaining the initiative. Our analysis of the future also indicates that the United States needs a capability identified as strategic preemption, either preventing or halting a crisis before it gets out of control. This will involve speed and agility to analyze contingencies and the capability to respond with coherent and effective joint forces. The competence needed to deal with such challenges must be matched by the physical and mental agility of forces that can react anywhere in the world and conduct a full range of military operations in combination with other government agencies and allies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA356345
Entities
People
- Dennis J. Reimer
Organizations
- National Defense University