Flexible Forces: US Ground Forces in Future War
Abstract
The matching of US ground forces structure to foreseeable missions is particularly complicated in the contemporary security environment. Most observers anticipate more sub-state and non-state activity, such as irregular warfare; but few dismiss the possibility of major interstate conflict. This raises an important question: should US ground forces be optimized for irregular warfare, or conventional battle? Strong arguments have been made to support each proposition. However, a close examination of the debate, its underlying assumptions, and the character of both conventional and irregular warfare shows the debate to center on a false dilemma. In fact, conventional and irregular war fighting have much more in common than not, and the differences that exist are mainly conceptual and mainly at higher echelons of command. The debate should be much less about the ground forces' structure than the method and particulars of their employment. This means that a flexible force can be created to adequately fight all manners of future wars. By making minor modifications to the current trajectory of US ground forces development, but major modifications to the training and education of our leadership cadres, it will be possible to create a force that can handle both conventional and irregular warfare.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 20, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA511100
Entities
People
- Christopher G. Cavoli
Organizations
- United States Army War College