Preparing the British Army for Future Warfare
Abstract
Following protracted campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan, the British Army must restructure for the future amidst significant financial restrictions. Since 9/11, the character of warfare appears to have shifted; theories of hybrid warfare are now recognized by British doctrine. With a backdrop of geostrategic uncertainty and financial constraint, how should the British Army prepare for future warfare? This research considers the future threats to British national interests and discusses how potential adversaries might employ contemporary approaches to target those interests. By consolidating existing threat projections and analyzing the character of hybrid conflict, the paper suggests that by training for hybrid conflict, the British Army is attempting to address the full spectrum of conflict. Instead, it is recommended that the British Army prioritize its training towards major combat operations while recognizing the enduring changes in the contemporary operating environment. To create the flexibility demanded by hybrid warfare, British military culture should consider reassessing its approaches to education, acceptance of risk, and decentralized command.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 16, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA556554
Entities
People
- Angus M. Tilney
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College