RESHAPING AMERICA'S ARMY

Army, Mar 2005 by Lowe, Karl

Because there are too few Regular Army division lineages, some former Army of the United States (AUS) divisions (63rd, 69th, 70th, 71st and 75th), the four most decorated independent brigades (196th through 199th), and two cavalry divisions would round out the mix. Some AUS lineages currently used by the Army Reserve would be reallocated to the AC. While other combinations would work, Figure 8 illustrates the possibilities. Most Army National Guard maneuver brigades could also be assigned division lineages.

When committed to combat, a field force would be assigned an armored cavalry regiment to serve as its eyes and ears (Figure 9). With around 1,800 soldiers, the proposed new-model ACR would be larger than a divisional cavalry squadron but smaller than today's ACR. Each would include tanks, Bradleys, helicopters, robotic air and ground reconnaissance vehicles, heavy mortars, robotic loitering attack munitions, manned and robotic counterobstacle and demolitions capabilities and electronic warfare and intelligence assets. Like maneuver brigades, ACRs would be part of the maneuver rotation base but would be assigned missions consistent with their unique capabilities.

If implemented, the concept proposed in this paper would give the Army a simple, flexible mixture of capabilities on which to build contingency responses, including a robust, 90 UA rotation base (72 brigades and 18 ACRs). The proposed three-echelon naming convention (theater army, field force and brigade) is easy to explain and justify. It signals a clean break with current ways of organizing and fighting, is consistent with contemporary mission needs, and exploits the Army's rich history.

Reactivated lineages offer new sources of influence for Army interests and a possible attraction for young people whose fathers and grandfathers served under the colors represented. The approach seems a natural fit with the core ideas motivating the Army's reorganization plan.

KARL LOWE is a retired officer who served in tank, mechanized, airmobile, and riverine battalions and brigades in his 32 years of service.