MHS 2020 Focused Study: OOTW in the 21st Century - An MHS Virtual Community of Practice, July 98
Abstract
The study was divided into two phases. Phase I evaluated past and current OOTW missions, changing conditions out to 2020, and potential new OOTW missions between now and 2020. Phase II looked at these issues as they pertained to doctrine, training, leadership, organization, materiel, and service members (DTLOMS). These phases were accomplished through on-line discussions and workshops. The document provides a detailed analysis of OOTW in these areas. Findings, overall: (1) Our major adversary between now and 2020 will probably be chaos, not another coherent military force; (2) Pressures for U.S. involvement in OOTW will increase substantially between now and 2020 across all scenarios; (3) To whatever extent the future becomes more chaotic, demand will grow for U.S. involvement in reactive OOTW activities to cope with disasters and enforce peace between conflicting parties; (4) OOTW will be as important for the 21, century national security mission of shaping world events as readiness was for the Cold War mission of deterrence; (5) Between now and 2020, the U.S. military will probably be called upon to support at least some OOTW missions that are much larger than any we have been involved in since the end of the Cold War; (6) Future OOTW activities will be varied, complex, and changeable requiring high organizational flexibility; and (7) Creating a less chaotic, more cooperative future requires a greater emphasis on preventive national security strategies, including more prevention-oriented OOTW.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA402780
Entities
Organizations
- Army Medical Department