Speed and Power: Toward an Expeditionary Army
Abstract
This report explores ways in which the Army might improve its ability to contribute to the prompt, global power-projection capability of the United States. By that the authors mean the strategic responsiveness of early-entry forces in situations where time is critical. Through a case study based upon the Army's new Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT), the authors examine two components of early-entry force strategic responsiveness: rapidly tailoring a mission-focused force package and moving the force. The report begins by analyzing options, given existing technology, for improving the deployment time of Army units. Then it examines how the Army might improve its ability to facilitate the rapid-deployment initiation of joint, mission-tailored packages of capabilities. In essence, there are two problems: initiating deployment of the right force capabilities and then getting these capabilities where they need to be as quickly as possible. Specific issues examined in the report include forward basing, new concepts in prepositioning, significant but underappreciated opportunities in process improvement, and speeding the delivery of initial operating capabilities through deployment phasing and improved planning. The research offers an approach for leveraging force modularity concepts to transition to a capabilities-based, rapid mission, force-tailoring construct. (3 tables, 38 figures, 32 refs.)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA428298
Entities
People
- Aimee Bower
- Eric Peltz
- John M. Halliday
Organizations
- RAND Corporation