An Overdue Post-Cold War Army Structure

Abstract : Over the past five years, the United States Army (USA) has taken significant actions to increase its readiness and relevance to Joint Force Commander (JFC). The Army has rapidly aligned itself with the Department of Defense (DoD) Transformation plan and is aggressively identifying and building required capabilities now in support of the Global War on Terrrorism (GWOT). The Army is conducting a significant reorganization on a scale of which has not been since the beginning of the Second World War. Central to this major reorganization is a shift from divisions to brigades as the centerpiece of tactical operations. Integral to reorganization is the creation of modular units. This paper will examine the Army's modular unit concept and how it will provide a more responsive and relevant capability for JFCs. Joint doctrine emphasizes integration and synchronization of the right team or joint force mix necessary to successfully accomplish assigned missions and achieve national security aims. The overall goal of the transformation effort is the creation of a joint force that dominates across the full spectrum of military operations. The modularity construct has been an integral aspect of the Army transformation strategy from the beginning and has become even more critical as the Army meets demands in support of the GWOT. A modular Army or the Future Force will provide the future JFC responsive and relevant capabilities through the full range of military operations.