Fort Moore, Ga. – Key Army leaders addressed how the service is deliberately transforming to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving global security environment during the Maneuver Warfighter Conference at Fort Moore, Georgia, Sept. 10, 2024. Transformation efforts underway include a focus on both non-materiel solutions — like leadership training and readiness — and material solutions — like new technology — to adapt to threats from adversaries like Russia and China.
TRAINING
The U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, command team, Gen. Gary M. Brito and Command Sgt. Maj. Raymond S. Harris, stressed the importance of leadership, training, and readiness. Brito highlighted TRADOC’s critical role in shaping the future of the Army, with a focus on preparing Soldiers for the complexities of future warfare.
“Our mission is to ensure Soldiers not only master the fundamentals but are also prepared for the unexpected on the battlefield,” Brito said, noting the Army’s modernization efforts, particularly in the areas of artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and multi-domain operations, are essential to keeping a competitive edge against adversaries.
Brito also discussed how TRADOC is working to integrate new technologies into training programs to enhance Soldiers skills.
“We are preparing our Soldiers to operate with advanced systems, but it’s their decision-making and leadership that will ultimately determine success,” Brito said, stressing the need for agile leaders capable of adapting to new threats and environments as they appear.
Harris also highlighted TRADOC’s commitment to developing training programs that challenge Soldiers to think critically and adapt to the unpredictable nature of modern warfare.
“NCOs are the backbone of the Army, and it’s our responsibility to ensure they have the tools and knowledge to lead our Soldiers effectively,” Harris said, echoing the critical role of NCOs in maintaining discipline, building resilience, and fostering a culture of excellence within the ranks.
OPERATIONAL FORCES
Army Forces Command provided a comprehensive overview of the Army’s readiness posture. Gen. Andrew P. Poppas, FORSCOM commanding general, underscored the importance of maintaining high levels of combat readiness across all units, particularly considering the rapidly evolving threats posed by near-peer adversaries.
“We are focused on preparing for high-end conflict, where we may face adversaries with advanced capabilities,” Poppas said, whose command is working to ensure U.S. forces can deploy quickly, sustain operations, and integrate joint capabilities in contested environments.
Poppas also stressed the importance of joint force operations, noting that future conflicts will require seamless coordination across all domains—air, land, sea, space, and cyber.
“The ability to fight and win in multi-domain operations is critical to our success,” Poppas said. “This requires not only technological advancements but also leaders who can work effectively in complex environments.”
“Every leader must be prepared to make decisions under pressure, and that starts with training and discipline,” said FORSCOM Command Sgt. Maj. T.J. Holland, emphasizing the importance of setting high standards for Soldiers and ensuring they are mentally and physically prepared for the challenges ahead.
THREATS
Ian M. Sullivan, TRADOC directorate of intelligence (G-2), deputy chief of staff, talked about those challenges, which include the growing threats posed by Russia and China and the need for the U.S. military to stay ahead of its adversaries through continuous adaptation and learning from current conflicts.
“We are witnessing one of the most complex and dangerous global environments I’ve seen in my 28 years as an intelligence officer,” Sullivan said, referring to the sophistication of China's military modernization efforts and the challenges they present.
TRADOC’s analysis of the current operational environment focused, among other areas, on the People's Liberation Army’s accelerated timeline to be combat-ready by 2027, especially concerning Taiwan, which raises significant concerns for U.S. military planners.
“It doesn't mean they'll go to war in 2027, but they are preparing for that possibility,” Sullivan said.
In addition to China, Sullivan highlighted the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, positing it serves as a real-time example of modern warfare’s evolving nature. He stressed the importance of the Army's continuous study and integration of lessons learned from conflicts around the world, such as Russia-Ukraine and Gaza.
“What we’ve learned from observing these conflicts is critical to shaping how we prepare for large-scale combat operations in the future," Sullivan said, noting that adversaries are learning from these situations as well, especially in areas such as information dominance and multi-domain warfare.
These lessons are helping shape the Army of the future.
FUTURE
Lt. Gen. David M. Hodne, director of the Futures and Concepts Center and deputy commanding general, U.S. Army Futures Command, offered a glimpse into the future of the Army as it works to stay ahead of its adversaries. Hodne outlined how AFC is shaping the Army’s future through a three-phase transformation: near-term readiness improvements, deliberate modernization over the next decade, and long-term, concept-driven changes for 2040 and beyond.
"We are experimenting with the future force today, testing how new technologies can be integrated into existing systems to give us the edge in future conflicts," Hodne said of AFC's role in integrating new technologies such as artificial intelligence, human-machine teaming, and autonomous systems into the Army’s formations.
Hodne noted, large-scale, joint exercises like Project Convergence, which aims to integrate new capabilities into multi-domain operations, provide an opportunity to learn and adapt quickly, ensuring the U.S. stays ahead of adversaries.
“The future of warfare will require us to balance the art and science of war, leveraging advanced technologies while maintaining our human advantage,” Hodne said.
AFC’s focus on innovation underscores its commitment to ensuring future Soldiers will be equipped not only with advanced capabilities but also with the tactical and strategic knowledge necessary to outmaneuver increasingly sophisticated enemies, Hodne said.
ADAPTATION
While the Army is modernizing, it must also focus on refining its doctrine, training, and operational strategies to be prepared for any engagement.
“We need to be prepared to operate in an environment where we may face adversaries capable of disrupting our communications and other critical systems,” said Lt. Gen. Milford H. Beagle Jr., U.S. Army Combined Arms Center commanding general.
Beagle’s command is focused on the Army’s doctrine. And, while the Army warfighting concept of multi-domain operations is continuously evolving, the fundamentals of leadership, readiness, and discipline remain constant.
“Readiness is about what you do with what you have, not what you're waiting for,” Beagle said, encouraging leaders at all levels to take ownership of their units' preparedness and to use the resources available to them.
He highlighted the need for adaptability, both in terms of technology and leadership, stressing that commanders must be able to lead their forces even when communications and logistics are compromised.
As the conference moves forward, discussions from the day will set the stage for deeper exploration of maneuver warfare, joint force integration, and the Army’s ongoing efforts to continuously transform and adapt to the rapidly evolving character of war.
The Maneuver Warfighter Conference continues through Sept. 12 with insights into how the Army is transforming its force structure, integrating new technologies, and preparing for the challenges of tomorrow’s battlefields.
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