The Future of Power Projection

Abstract

Abstract : Power projection, the ability to project and sustain our military power anywhere in the world with little or no notice, is one of the main strengths that have made our Army the greatest in the world. It is the cornerstone of our military preeminence. We have more air and sea lift than any other country in the world. The United States is a power projection nation. Credible rapid power projection is deterrence in itself. Today's national security environment and the emerging joint concept of rapid decisive operations demands a transformation of U.S. power projection capabilities. We will never have sufficient lift to move today's Army to meet tomorrow's crisis, therefore, service roles and missions must be relooked to include the role of the IBCT. There is no one solution. The future of power projection is still evolving, but it most certainly will be even more joint oriented. The impact of Army transformation is just now starting to be incorporated into power projection. The OSA has defined the end for us, a brigade in 96 hours, division in 120 hours, and five divisions in 30 days. It remains to be seen if all the Army's deployment objectives are achievable. The long pole in the tent is a division in 5 days. The means to achieving that is through aggressively implementing the Army transformation plan which the recent attack on America has given impetus to. The purpose of this paper is to examine America's current policy and future of power projection and its relevance to Army transformation.