Allyn: Global readiness remains paramount despite drawdown

By Sgt. Stephanie Woodson, 3rd ABCT, 3rd ID Public AffairsSeptember 11, 2013

FORT BENNNG, Ga. (Sept. 11, 2013) -- The commander of U. S. Army Forces Command, Gen. Daniel B. Allyn, addressed "Global Responsiveness and Regional Engagement" during the Maneuver Warfighter Conference at McGinnis-Wickam Hall's Marshall Auditorium Sept. 10.

Speaking to an assembled crowd of Soldiers and Civilians, Allyn said, "We are at the most unpredictable period that I have seen in the last three decades. There is a large spectrum of potential threats, challenges and contingencies."

Allyn's words come as many speculate over what the military's next contingency may be, with questions surrounding potential U.S. involvement in Syria. While the next conflict remains to be seen, many can attest to the challenges faced during the last 10 years of war in the Middle East.

"Character of war evolves and the threat constantly changes," Allyn said. "The environments that we are operating in, after 11 years of conflict, have given us a different perspective of what is required to remain the most dominant command force and enables joint force."

Allyn shared how the Army plans to align FORSCOM units with combatant commands and explained some of the challenges involved. Regionally aligning units -- known as Regional Alignment of Forces -- will better prepare them to train for upcoming missions and offer more familiarity for units returning to the same region for multiple deployments, he said. For example, a unit aligned with Pacific Command would deploy primarily in support of missions in that specific region of the world.

"The Army will remain responsive to coordinating regional alignment," Allyn said. "Brigade combat teams restructuring and reductions along with our target end strength numbers represent a significant change." Allyn acknowledged the upcoming changes will impact Army doctrine, organization structure, materiel, training and leader development.

Allyn said the Army meets its global readiness requirement by providing forces that are trained and prepared to respond to global contingencies. Those contingencies fall into two categories, joint contingency force and Army contingency force.

"As we look at the security environment and the readiness of our units, exactly what capabilities can we deliver to the uncertain environments that are unfolding in front of our nation's commanding authority?" said Allyn.

The brigade combat team (BCT) is the Army's basic deployable maneuver unit. They are the force structures available to respond to contingencies and consist of four types: the Armored brigade combat team, Stryker brigade combat team, Infantry brigade combat team and combat Aviation brigade. Each contains key enablers to support that unit should it be required globally.

The 2013 Maneuver Warfighter Conference continues here through Friday.

Keynote speakers from across the Army are addressing the conference's theme, "Developing a Common Vision to Adapt the Maneuver Force for the Challenges of Tomorrow."

The annual conference contributes to the combat effectiveness of the Army by addressing the Maneuver Warfighter challenges, 11 issues that focus on the MCoE's efforts to develop comprehensive solutions for future armed conflicts.

A complete schedule of events is available online at www.benning.army.mil/mcoe/maneuverconference/.

In conjunction with the conference, defense industry contractors are showcasing their products today on York Field.

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