Csm Forum - deployment of Initial Brigade Combat Teams - Brief Article

Military Intelligence Professional Bulletin, July, 2000 by Scott C. Chunn

This edition of the Military Intelligence Professional Bulletin is devoted to the Initial Brigade Combat Teams (IBCTs) and MI support to brigades. The Army's vision is "Soldiers on point for the Nation....Persuasive in Peace, Invincible in War."

These are exciting times. We are in the process of transforming our great Army to make it better and enhance its ability to prevail in all the types of operations it will face. This transformation will occur in three major phases: the initial phase, the interim capability phase, and the objective force phase. During this initial phase, we will field IBCTs--the first to Fort Lewis, Washington, in September--and equip them with available surrogate and loaned equipment. These IBCTs will develop the organizational and operational model for follow-on brigades using this readily available equipment.

Once the Army has certified the Initial Brigade Combat Teams, the interim capability phase will begin and the Army will field the interim force based on the IBCT-validated structure. This force will seek the characteristics of the objective force, within the constraints of available off-the-shelf equipment, and come as close to realizing the objective force as is possible with existing equipment.

The objective force phase will begin when technology permits the fielding of systems that will achieve the desired force characteristics. Those characteristics are responsiveness, deployability, agility, versatility, lethality, survivability, and sustainability. The new vision charts the course for the Army to transform itself into a force that has these characteristics and can sustain dominance at every point on the spectrum of operations.

Retention continues to be an issue that requires everyone's attention. To retain sufficient numbers of our high-quality officers, noncommissioned officers (NCOs), and soldiers, we, the leaders, must continue to take steps to improve soldier well-being, training, and their quality of life.

As always, train hard, take care of soldiers and their families, and have fun. Thanks!