Avoiding a Hollow Force: Force Planning with Any Budget
Abstract
The United States military has experienced a predictable cycle in force structure development that leads to a "hollow force" after substantial budgetary reductions. The author's thesis is that by better understanding the system used to develop military force structure, and by appreciating relevant historical examples, the military can institute measures to achieve balance in national security and to break that cycle. The research method for this thesis involved an examination of the U.S. strategic framework, and its limitations, which is the foundation of the current force structure; the historical patterns that lead to a "hollow force"; and potential methods for achieving balance. The thesis presents historical vignettes of the Vietnam War and Desert Storm that include the geo-political and economic conditions leading up to them, and the military postures taken in those eras, to better understand the recurring patterns in modern U.S. force structuring. By exploring methods of achieving balance, multiple avenues open to maintain military capabilities while continuing to reduce overall capacity. The thesis introduces the concept of optimizing balance of the three cornerstones of force structuring: manpower, equipment, and operations. It then addresses maintaining capability and gaining overall readiness while reducing costs through the appropriate type of training for the Reserve Component. The author concludes with techniques to optimize force structure planning using different levels of integration.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 30, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA562390
Entities
People
- William W. Whittenberger Jr.
Organizations
- National Defense University