Will U.S. Forces Be Hollow Once Again?
Abstract
This monograph explores the current debate surrounding the decrease in the defense budget following prolonged conflict and how it could lead to a "hollow force." The term "hollow force" refers to military forces that appear mission-ready, but in reality suffer from shortages in personnel and equipment, and from deficiencies in training. The monograph examines case studies of the Korean War, the post-Vietnam War era, the post-Cold War era, and the post-Iraqi War and post-Afghanistan Conflict era to determine whether a "hollow force" existed during these eras, and whether it exists now. In 1980, General Meyer coined the phrase "hollow force," which to him meant the lack of adequate personnel. From the moment General Meyer stated that phrase before a Congressional hearing, politicians, military leaders, journalists, and others either warned against a "hollow force," or disputed its very existence. Considering the record of accomplishment of U.S. Armed Forces following the Vietnam War, many people continue to argue that a "hollow force" never existed -- that it is only a perception. However, as these case studies illustrate, "hollow forces" did exist due to lack of training and numbers following World War II, during the Korean War, after Vietnam, during the failed rescue attempt in Iran, and during the conflict in Grenada. Following the Cold War, however, there was no "hollow force," most likely due to numbers and training that occurred in preparation for a possible attack by the Soviet Union. But as the current environment illustrates, decisions have reduced our resources and in turn our technology programs, our combat-focused training, and our capacity. Our leaders' current decisions may be thrusting our military toward another "hollow force."
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 06, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA569999
Entities
People
- Kevin J. Groppel
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College