Case study in army transformation : creating modular forces / Richard L. Kugler.

Format:

Book

Government document

Author/Creator:

Kugler, Richard L.

Contributor:

National Defense University. Center for Technology and National Security Policy

Series:

Case studies in national security transformation ; no. 14.

Case studies in national security transformation ; no. 14

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

United States. Army--Operational readiness.

United States.

United States. Army--Reorganization.

United States. Army--Equipment.

United States. Army.

Armed Forces--Equipment and supplies.

Armed Forces--Operational readiness.

Armed Forces--Reorganization.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (ii, 29 pages)

Place of Publication:

[Washington, D.C.] : Center for Technology and National Security Policy, [2008]

Summary:

U.S. defense transformation is noted for acquiring modern information networks and other advanced technologies, but less so for creating new force structures and weapon platforms. The exception is the U.S. Army transformation plan. This plan is imposing major changes on how Army forces are structured and also intends to acquire an entirely new set of weapon systems over the coming years. The centerpiece of this plan is the modular brigade combat team (BCT), which is being applied to all combat brigades. Unlike old combat brigades, which were embedded in divisions and drew upon them for essential support, the new BCTs are to be entirely self-contained and thus deployable on their own and usable as separate formations on the battlefield. Accompanying these BCTs are parallel, modular-creating changes to the Army command and control structure as well as its combat support and combat service support (CS/CSS) assets, and its aviation assets. The effect is to spread the concept of modularity across virtually the entire Army force structure. This case study analyzes the Army's modular plan as well as its overall approach to transformation, including key rationales, goals, and main features. It begins by describing the pre-transformation Army force structure that was inherited from the Cold War. It then assesses how the Department of Defense (DOD) transformation philosophy and recent experiences in expeditionary operations provide a strategic framework for determining how the Army has approached changes to its force structure. Then, it briefly describes the Army's original transformation roadmap, 2001-2002. Next, it portrays the main features of the current Army transformation roadmap, adopted in 2003-2004. It analyzes the BCT concept, as well as other modular formations being created by the Army. Next, it assesses the Army's plan to create networked FCS weapons and other assets. Finally, it concludes with future prospects and challenges facing Army transformation.

Notes:

Title from title screen (viewed on December 18, 2009).

"April 2008."

Includes bibliographical references.

OCLC:

318685541

Access Restriction:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE.