2007 Army Modernization Plan
Abstract
Published in 2001, the Army Modernization Plan described a strategic environment in which "...if current trends continue, the United States could enjoy a period of relative strategic calm in which no single foreign power could threaten our vital interests with conventional military forces." Within six months of the release of the 2001 edition, any prospect of that relative strategic calm dissolved. Today, the Army has deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan as many as 18 to 20 Brigade Combat Teams for longer than it fought in World War II. Counting transition teams, security forces, and others, the Army currently deploys nearly 35 brigades worth of Soldiers and equipment. The Active Component brigades are deploying at a rate of one year deployed for each year at home instead of the Army's deployment planning objective of one year deployed to two years training at home station under "surge conditions". The Reserve Component brigades plan to deploy at the rate of one year deployed for every five years at home. More than a half-million Soldiers now are serving in over 80 countries world-wide. Virtually all the Army's operational brigades are either conducting combat operations, preparing to do so, or are positioned forward to deter conflict in critical regions. Some brigades are on their third combat tour. To date, over 700,000 Active and Reserve Soldiers have answered the "call to duty" supporting the Global War on Terror. For several decades the Reserve Component has served as the Nation's strategic reserve. Today, it is an integral part of the Operational Force serving alongside the Active Component in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other key regions. Active Component units constitute 55 percent of the Army's structure and provide essential combat and support capabilities.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA468000