Modernizing the maneuver force was at the forefront of the 2021 Maneuver Warfighter Conference, held at Fort Benning Ga., Feb.15 - 17. For this year, the annual conference was “The Dreadful Array: Modernizing for Large Scale Combat Operations in the Pacific.”

According to the conference speakers, the U.S. Army’s modernization strategy focuses on making Soldiers and units more lethal to win the nation's wars.

“Modernization is about more than just technology, equipment, and weapons. It’s about creating new formations, new doctrine, and, most importantly about enabling our most precious asset, which is people, to fight and win the wars of the future,” said Maj. Gen. Patrick J. Donahoe, commanding general, Maneuver Center of Excellence and Fort Benning.

Maneuver Force Modernization highlighted at Maneuver Warfighter Conference
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Patrick J. Donahoe, commanding general, Maneuver Center of Excellence and Fort Benning, delivers opening remarks during the 2021 Maneuver Warfighter Conference at Fort Benning, Ga. (Photo Credit: (U.S. Army photo by Markeith Horace) ) VIEW ORIGINAL

It brought together top military experts, including the Army's top generals and top senior enlisted Soldiers, and allied partners to discuss war's evolving character, modernization efforts, and the challenges in the Pacific region.

“The character of war is evolving, but the tank-infantry team will remain the centerpiece of maneuver in war for the foreseeable future despite advances in weapons technology,” said Donahoe.

In his closing remarks, Donahoe said, “True strength comes from partnerships and alliances that are enduring. Thank you to all of our presenters and viewers during the Maneuver Warfighter Conference.”

The Maneuver Center of Excellence and Fort Benning delivers trained and combat-ready Soldiers and leaders while developing and integrating the doctrine and capabilities of the maneuver force.