Structuring the Total Army for Full-Spectrum Readiness.
Abstract
The United States Army is in the final stages of a massive post-Cold War draw-down of force structure, end-strength, and budget. Without the imminent threat of global war, the National Security Strategy has evolved to call for the heightened application of national power to engage an increasingly dynamic and uncertain world. The resulting frequent commitment of Army forces to smaller-scale contingencies is reducing its readiness and stretching its capabilities to respond to the strategy's most challenging requirement, fighting and winning two overlapping major theater wars. This paper examines the roots of the Army's readiness dilemma and explores potential approaches to restore the Army's readiness to execute the full spectrum of missions. Finally, the paper frames a recommendation for organizational changes, suggesting that the Total Army's force structure be shaped and sized to more effectively and efficiently provide ready and responsive forces for both major theater war and smaller-scale contingency requirements.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA364105
Entities
People
- Mark E. Vinson
Organizations
- United States Army War College