The Long Game: A Strategic Analysis of Military Drawdowns
Abstract
This study seeks to answer how US leaders can enact policy utilizing the elements of national power to shape the contemporary environment and drive towards the desired environment. The study analyzes defense drawdowns in the context of national and military ends, ways, means, and risks, in order to provide viable solutions for future defense posture. Prudent drawdown measures can maintain a significant level of deterrence--whereas the disregard will lead to belligerent aggression. This study will focus on the drawdown of the US Military from 1945 to the present and determine what lessons can be applied to today's strategic environment. With the gap between the current and desired environment identified, the purpose of this study is to determine a logical application of defense capabilities as an element of national power during the drawdown after the Global War on Terror. The results of this study suggest a force construct solution that includes the capabilities and requisite authorities necessary for increased conventional and special operations force interdependence through whole of government interoperability to shape the current environment through building partner capacity in order to prevent future conflict.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 13, 2014
- Accession Number
- ADA611563
Entities
People
- Timothy A. Crane
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College