Force Structure: Preliminary Observations on Army Plans to Implement and Fund Modular Forces
Abstract
While the Army has made progress in establishing modular brigades, it is likely to face several challenges in providing its new modular units with some required skilled personnel and equipment that are needed to achieve planned capabilities. For example, the Army has not provided its new modular brigades with required quantities of critical equipment such as unmanned aerial vehicles, communications equipment, and trucks because they are not currently available in sufficient quantities. Moreover, it may take years to meet increased requirements for critical skills such as military intelligence analysts because they are in high demand and take years to train. In addition, the Army has not yet made a number of key decisions that could further increase requirements for equipment and personnel beyond those that have been identified by the Army to date. First, the Army has not yet decided whether to recommend to the Secretary of Defense an increase to the number of active brigade combat teams from 43 to 48. Also, it is refining its analysis of design requirements and assessing the costs and benefits of adding one more combat maneuver battalion to its new modular brigades. Finally, the Army has not yet finalized the design of higher echelon and support units. Until designs are finalized and key decisions are reached, the Army will not have a complete understanding of the equipment and personnel that are needed to fully achieve its goals for a more capable modular force.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 16, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA446787
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office