Preparing for the Future: Developing an Adaptive Army in a Time of Peace, 1918-1941 - Between World War I and II, Fort Leavenworth Instruction, Large-Scale Maneuvers and Protective Mobilization Plan

This excellent report has been professionally converted for accurate flowing-text e-book format reproduction. As the US Army transitions into a period of transformation, it is focusing its attention on becoming a more adaptable organization that can meet the challenges of an uncertain future. Faced with personnel and budget reductions, the Army is evaluating changes to its operational doctrine, organizational structure, leader development, and unit training in an effort to become more lethal and expeditionary. The modern Army faces the uncertainties of asymmetrical hybrid threats combining multiple forms of warfare across multiple domains to include cyber and space. Between 1918 and 1941, during the Interwar Period, the Army faced similar uncertainties as the Army attempted to anticipate the impact of rapidly developing technologies in firepower, aviation, mechanization, and motorization and the threat from rising powers in Asia and Europe. While these challenges are significantly different, in both examples emerging technological advances led to changes in the conduct of warfare. To parallel the modern Army's approach, the examination framed the research around the Interwar Army's adaptation of its doctrine and organizational structure, development of adaptable leaders through officer education, and preparation of the force for uncertainty through large-scale two-sided maneuvers. The experience of the Interwar Army at developing an adaptable organization provides an historic case study to apply to the modern Army as it transitions for the future.

Following a decade of focusing on sustained combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, the United States Army is on the cusp of entering a new transition period as it attempts to shift focus toward its future. During Operations Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Enduring Freedom (OEF), the Army adapted organizationally to face new challenges that it had not anticipated prior to conflict such as conducting counter insurgency operations, integrating new technology, and reorganizing to improve operational flexibility. The Army adapted its tactical doctrine to include counter insurgency and security force advisory operations. The Army also witnessed the proliferation and employment of new technologies such as drones, robots, mine-resistant vehicles, and digital command systems at all command levels that have become part of the Army's equipment inventory. Further, the Army adapted its organization to one centered on task-organized brigade combat teams and modular support brigades that enabled joint force commanders to build tailored Army force packages. As the Army transitioned from these conflicts, it sought future adaptation by employing the lessons learned while anticipating future requirements in an uncertain future.