Rapid adaptation: The U.S. Army's evolution in maneuver warfare

The U.S. Army is undergoing a significant transformation in its approach to maneuver warfare, driven by the need for rapid adaptation. In an era where the battlefield is constantly evolving, the Army must ensure its maneuver forces remain effective and agile. The ability to quickly respond to changing circumstances is crucial, as it directly affects mission success and troop safety.

Recent discussions by military leaders during the 2024 Maneuver Warfighter Conference Sept. 10-12, 2024, on Fort Moore, Georgia, highlighted the Army's commitment to fostering a culture of adaptability within its ranks.

At the fundamental level, the Army's approach to training and education is evolving to keep pace with modern threats and technological advancements.

"There are non-materiel solutions and then there are materiel solutions.” said Lt. Gen. Milford H. Beagle Jr., U.S. Army Combined Arms Center commanding general. “Think about what we learn and how we change and adjust our doctrine ... changes need to be made at home station training ... (and at the) Combat Training Centers," he said.

The complexities of contemporary warfare demand a more tailored and flexible training regimen, particularly when it comes to new battlefield tech that wasn’t a factor on battlefields of the past.

"We train for certainty, we educate for uncertainty, and then we develop for the unknown." Beagle said.

Technology plays a pivotal role in this transformation. The integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, drones, and cyber capabilities has become a focal point in enhancing the Army's adaptability.

During training, today’s Soldiers may engage in complex simulations that mirror real-world conditions, preparing them for the unpredictability of combat. In experimentation — through various initiatives like Project Convergence and Army Expeditionary Warrior Experiments —maturing technologies are field tested, informing the integration and modernization of capabilities.

And the Army is putting these capabilities into the hands of Soldiers as quickly as possible.

“What used to be a three-year process of development and acquisition, we’ve crunched down to nine months,” said Lt. Gen David M. Hodne, deputy commanding general U.S. Army Futures Command, Futures and Concepts.

These efforts are especially important for the overall transformation of the Army, when capabilities can vary across units.

“Formations may have dissimilar capabilities based on which version of the iPhone is sitting in your formations,” Hodne said.

From basic cell phones to complicated sensors, with the increase in tech on the battlefield comes an increase in accessible data. Because of this, CAC is incorporating data literacy into professional military education.

“We need to understand how to read, work with, analyze, and communicate using data ...”  Beagle said. “If you're a commander, you need to understand the questions to ask of the data to enable you to make decisions.”

Access to multiple sources of data on the modern battlefield is now the rule rather than exception, and rapid responses and real-time decision-making depend on the Army’s ability to process and understand this data at the speed of relevance.

Moreover, collaboration within the Army and with external partners is essential for fostering rapid adaptation, a process in which Soldiers can actively participate.

"Don’t walk by a technology problem …” said Brig. Gen. John M. Cushing, U.S. Army Combat Capabilities and Development Command commanding general. "If you see something that’s broken, something that just doesn’t make sense... bring it up to our attention,” he said.

Likewise, Soldiers may bring their own bright ideas to their command’s DEVCOM Innovation Lab. Leaders actively promoting an environment that encourages creativity and initiative among Soldiers fosters a culture of trust and autonomy and equips its personnel to respond swiftly and effectively to emerging challenges.

This collaborative mindset extends beyond traditional military alliances, incorporating insights from industry and academia to drive innovation, as was the intent of the conference.

The concept of a learning organization is central to the Army's strategy for adaptation. This commitment to continuous improvement is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge on the battlefield. The Army recognizes that the ability to incorporate lessons learned from both successes and failures can significantly enhance its operational effectiveness, Beagle said.

"We need to share more ... have a better professional dialogue and discourse amongst our force," Beagle said.

As the U.S. Army continues to refine its approach to rapid adaptation through innovative training, the integration of technology, collaboration with partners, and a commitment to a learning culture, the Army is positioning itself to meet the challenges of modern combat effectively.

More information about the 2024 Maneuver Warfighter Conference is available.

Photos of the conference are online.

Video content of the conference — including main stage b-roll, interviews, exhibit b-roll, and live fire b-roll — is also available.