Doing Less with Less: Implications of Resource Driven Strategy for the United States Army
Abstract
Current National Security and Military strategic guidance assigns the military a wide ranging set of missions and tasks that can be generally grouped into five requirements; Defend the Homeland, Deter Aggression, Defeat Adversaries, Shape the Environment, and Respond to Crisis. While these requirements are all valid, they are unconstrained by the current fiscal situation. Depending on the outcome of ongoing budget debates and decision making by the executive and legislative branches, the Department of Defense will see reductions of between $350 Billion and $1 Trillion over the next decade and a sustained funding rate of between 1.6% and 2.6% of GDP. Due to this mismatch, the Army will be required to develop plans for doing less with less. Viable options exist, including a reduced full spectrum capability; a focus on defend, shape, and respond; or a focus on defend, deter, and defeat. All three have advantages, disadvantages, and associated risks. The course of action selected will have major implications for the Army's long-term manning, training, and equipping efforts as well as the future role of National Guard and Reserve forces. The Army is fully capable of meeting this challenge. By operationalizing the problem and employing the proven doctrinal concept of mission command, Army leaders will be able to make sound decisions and move the Army forward. The Army will do its share to help the country solve its fiscal crisis and continue to defend our Nation and win its wars.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 30, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA592821
Entities
People
- James E. Rainey
Organizations
- University of Denver