The U.S. Army has recently undergone significant restructuring to better address the modern-day threats and missions it faces. These changes have implications not only for the Soldiers serving in the Army but also for the overall U.S. defense system. But will the new Army structure also affect the effectiveness and efficiency of our national security?
Last February 27, at a Washington event, Army Secretary Christine Wormuth confirmed the continued shift from counterinsurgency missions to large-scale combat against enemies with advanced technologies. This also includes removing some personnel and increasing manpower in other areas.
She added that a force structure change is necessary since the Army is shifting through a massive modernization involving various new capabilities in the next twenty years.
The Secretary also emphasized that the Army structure change had created 7,500 new slots for Soldiers to go. Further, the struggle to recruit new Soldiers had a significant impact, leaving a “hollow force structure.” So, with the new U.S. Army structure, 32,000 spaces should be shrunk to make room for the 7,500 new structures.
The US Army Structure Strategic Changes
In an interview last fall, Wormuth mentioned that the Army is preparing to address some critical changes, thus prompting them to go to the capitol. The agenda would be reductions from the counterinsurgency-related structure and additions of high-tech equipment to the force’s inventory. The new Army structure is focusing on corps and division-level operations. Plus, they will have less participation than the brigade combat teams.
The Army’s whitepaper also added that by applying the Army unit structure, the Army will be well informed that its formations are filled at a suitable level to sustain a heightened state of preparedness. Further, the Army will continuously support its recruiting efforts to get new recruits to rebuild its force. This provides strategic flexibility, alleviates the burden on Soldiers being deployed frequently, and integrates additional capabilities into the force.
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A Cornerstone of Transformation of the Multidomain Task Force
One of the highlights of the new Army structure includes the creation of the Army’s five multidomain task forces or Multi-Domain Task Force.
Three MDTFs have already been set up by the Army, including 2 in the Indo-Pacific and 1 in the European theater. They are planning to set up another station dedicated to the Pacific region. One that will focus solely on the U.S. Central Command’s area.
The Multi-Domain Task Force will also have headquarters. This includes one for the battalion, a multidomain effects battalion, a battalion capable of indirect fire protection, a battalion specializing in long-range shooting, and a battalion providing support.
The Army unit structure is also making “substantial investments” in air and projectile defense. This will happen at both the corps and division levels. This will include an additional four battalions with capabilities for indirect fire protection. Its aim is to offer defense against mortars, artillery, drones, and explosives.
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Addressing Unoccupied Authorized Spaces
The Army structure that will be removed are the spaces authorized but not occupied by the Soldiers. Plus, the Army will not be asking current troopers to leave.
For efficiency, they are considering all occupational specialties and skill sets. With this strategy, the corps commander and the division can concentrate on their asset Soldiers during extensive combat operations. In numbers, the Army has already reduced 10,000 spaces through effective relocating.
Also, the broad reductions will involve modifications to close combat. This includes the removal of cavalry squadrons and infantry brigade combat teams based in the continental U.S. Further, the Army noted that the size of its special operations has doubled over the last two decades.
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