Transformation: Driven by Change The Greek philosopher Heraclitus stated, “the only thing that is constant is change” (“Goodreads”). This quote serves as an illustration of the episodic protracted and contracted nature of the Army. The events of September 11, 2001, and subsequent invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq during the global war on terror, led to expansion and force structure changes in the Army. Presently, the United States is enacting measures to become more fiscally prudent. This has led to overall decrease in the Army’s budget. Consequently, the Army has imposed force-shaping measures to support these congressionally mandated reductions. The needs and requirements of the current strategic environment drive transformation in the military. The elements of transformation consist of causation factors, supporting policies, and its overall effectiveness. Leaders at the tactical, operational, and strategic level must possess insight on all these elements. Transformational Change after 9/11 The events of September 11, 2001, and subsequent invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq during the global war on terror set the conditions for transformational growth in the Army. The global war on terrorism led to incremental increases to the Army budget and changes in force structure to include personnel, and equipment modernization. Correspondingly, force shaping policies and procedures supported this transformational growth. Budget In FY 2003, the Army’s budget was $123 billion and experienced an average annual increase of 4% over the last eleven years (Dyson & Welch, 2014). The budget increase was necessary to support the global war on terror in Afghanistan and Iraq. Additionally, budget increases were necessary to support cha... ... middle of paper ... ...t trains and deploys its forces (Lopez, 2013). Luckily, the Army’s senior Officers and NCOs can recall the mistakes of the drawdown in the 1990s. This provides perspective going forward as they shape the force. Conclusion Similar to change, transformation is a constant evolution. Leaders at the tactical, operational, and, strategic level must anticipate the causation factors and the effects on the force. Leaders who are able to do this will be able to address the challenges associated with a buildup or drawdown of the force. It is imperative that leaders pay attention to force shaping polices and understand who, and how it affects those populations. In the 21st century, terrorist attacks, and fiscal irresponsibility, were the vehicles of change for the military. These types of events cannot be predicted, however, the one thing that can be predicted, change.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the events of september 11, 2001, and subsequent invasions of afghanistan and iraq during the global war on terror, led to expansion and force structure changes in the army.
- Explains that the army's budget was $123 billion and experienced an average annual increase of 4% over the last eleven years. the increase was necessary to support the global war on terror in afghanistan and iraq.
- Explains that the army focused on developing a modular brigade concept. a 2012-rand study described the conditions leading to force structure changes.
- Describes gen shinseki's desire to have a mobile and rapid deployable force.
- Explains the increased demand for army forces after 9/11 in iraq, afghanistan and other counterterrorism endeavors.
- Explains that the modular concept would allow for greater advantages through its flexibility and support the aforementioned conditions.
- Explains that the army had 486,509 active duty personnel in 2003 and peaked at 549,790 in 2011. the shift to a modular force, constant deployment cycles, and requirements for vital military occupations contributed to an overall increase in army’s end strength.
- Explains how the army shifted from a cold war strategy to the full-spectrum aforgen based strategy in support of the modular brigade concept.
- Explains that a reduction in recruiting standards supported the army's growth. these loosened standards included policy changes regarding tattoos, education, and moral waivers.
- Analyzes how the force's ability to combat threats in a 21st century environment helped in measuring the effectiveness of transformation. the fiscally rich post 9/11 environment provided the capacity to modernize antiquated equipment.
- Explains that the fiscal crisis plaguing the united states led to another 21st century transformation, downsizing. the quadrennial defense review calls for a strategy and risk focused approach when making decisions regarding force shaping.
- Explains that army personnel costs in fy 15 will be 46% of a $120.5 billion dollar budget, which includes reduction in personnel end strengths. budget cuts, along with sequestration, would reduce the army to 420,000 by fy16.
- Explains that the army's ability to react to future threats will measure the effectiveness of a fiscally constrained transformation.
- Explains that transformation is a constant evolution. leaders must anticipate the causation factors and the effects on the force.
- Explains the events of september 11, 2001, and subsequent invasions of afghanistan and iraq during the global war on terror set the conditions for transformational growth in the army.
- Explains that the budget control act of 2011 directed a $487 billion reduction in the dod budget over the next 10 years. sequestration requires an additional $50 billion in cuts annually until 2021.
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- The Changing National Guardexplanatory essayTierney, C. (2006). The army national guard and transformation: relevance for ongoing and future missions. Ft Leavenworth, KS, US Army School of Advanced Military Studies, General and Staff College. Retrieved April 20, 2008 from http://cgsc.cdmhost.com/cgi-bin/showfile.exe?CISOROOT=/p4013coll3&CI SOPTR=780&filename=781.pdf
In this essay, the author
- Describes the purpose and mission of the army national guard (arng) in the homeland and oversees.
- Explains that it helps to understand how the department of the army works and the three components that make up the us army.
- Compares the us army reserves (usar) and the arng as part-time services, training in their specific moss one weekend a month and two weeks in the summer.
- Explains that the arng is the oldest military service in the united states. the first recorded call to arms was at the massachusetts bay colony on december 13, 1639.
- Explains that from the revolutionary war to the spanish american war of 1898 there had been much criticism rendered against the militia soldiers. after many mishaps, the soldiers received the required training and generally did well throughout the country's wars.
- Explains that in the war of 1812, the regular army of the united states had fewer than 6,000 enlisted men and officers; at this time the militia was again called up.
- Explains that the civil war saw large numbers of militia used. the regular army consisted of 16,000 enlisted men and officers.
- Explains that congress passed the militia act of 1903 or the dick act because of its principle architect, senator charles dick.
- Explains that during world war i arng units made up 40% of the combat units that participated in the war.
- Describes how the arng's 34th infantry division showed extreme bravery in wwii. the division racked up 517 continuous days of frontline combat, more than any other unit, guard or regular army.
- Explains that the 34th has the distinction of starting one of the regular army's most elite fighting units, the us army rangers.
- Explains that during the korean conflict and vietnam war, guardsmen answered the call of the federal government. sixteen arng divisions participated in korea and 60,000 men and women from the guard took part in vietnam.
- Describes how the transformation of the arng was thrown into high gear. 75,000 guardsmen were activated and deployed, adding to the total of 540,000 us military personnel
- Explains that the arng was operating with a "cold war" mentality after 9/11/2001. they organized into the regular army's brigade combat team (bct) approach.
- Explains that in 1970, the army was twice as large as it is today, with 1.36 million men and women in the regular army and 667,000 in reserve component. the arng is no longer a strategic force, but an operational force.
- Explains that the global war on terrorism is the first war that has been displayed on television in real time. the arng is a technological warrior fully integrated into the military’s operational reach around the world.
- Explains that the army national guard's soldiers have to be ready to respond to any force that may strike the united states whether it is from mother nature or from a terrorist threat.
- Explains that the army national guard and transformation: relevance for ongoing and future missions.
- Cites wormuth, flournoy, henry, and murdock's report on the future of the national guard and reserves.
1828 wordsRead More - The Rebirth of the U.S. Militaryexplanatory essayDuring this last half of the twentieth century the US military was under siege from all sides, internal and external. The root cause of this situation can be traced back to Vietnam and the governments lack of true commitment. What resulted was the near destruction of the US military. The military managed to come out in the end to become perhaps the best military in the world by completely reevaluating itself and reorganizing almost every aspect . The primary focus will be on the reorganization of the Army and Air force, and how they were affected by the disaster of Vietnam. The US military managed to come out one top through completely reorganizing the way the military works and thinks. Focusing on real practical training and making sure units had experience even before combat with the use of simulations. Eliminating the menace of centralization and creating separate fully functioning forces..
In this essay, the author
- Explains that president johnson's inability to listen to his generals and his constant interference in daily military matters led to distrust and contempt between the military brass and the government.
- Explains that the military complex defied logic and had turned itself into a bureaucratic nightmare.
- Explains that the army suffered the most serious blow from vietnam due to the limitations of targets by the government and the lack of a true battle plan to defeat the enemy.
- Explains that the zero-tolerance policy on drugs, with regular urinalysis drug testing, moved the soldier culture in a positive direction.
- Explains that forscom was responsible for the training readiness of all us army components, combat readiness, and solving the army's discipline problems.
- Explains that the air force suffered from undertrained people and a lack of vision during america's longest war. the obsession over nuclear bombing severely undermined the fighter corp.
- Explains bill creech's first reforms were to decentralize the systems and restore confidence within the ranks.
- Explains that fighters that landed with problems were fixed more quickly. before one out of five were flyable the same day, now it was four.
- Explains that the air force once again became a deadly fighting force. its pilots received more training, its repair and supply system now worked, and its commanders were now capable of more combat power.
- Explains that the us military is one of the strongest believers and users of war game simulations.
- Explains anderson, david l., shadows on the white house, (kansas: university press of kansas, 1993).
- Explains anderson, david l., shadows on the white house, (kansas: university press of kansas, 1993).
- Explains that the us military was under siege from all sides, internal and external, due to the lack of political will, poor government intervention and a military system that defied logic.
- Describes how tradoc and forscom were created to train the next generation of warriors.
- Describes how bill creech's reforms revitalized the air force.
- Explains that the army was interested in real combat simulation but it took longer to get the technology to make it feasible. the national training center at fort irwin was the heart of the army simulated combat training program.
- Explains how fort irwin's after-action review helped to break down barriers and show that commanders are not infallible and that there is always room for improvement.
- Analyzes how the u.s. military was a force to be reckoned with. the air campaign went just as well as the ground campaign.
2744 wordsRead More - Downsizing and Job Uncertainty Within the United States Armyexplanatory essayCurrently the United States Government is forced to take measures to reduce their operating budget. One course of action is sequestration. Under sequestration, an amount of money equal to the difference between the cap set in the Budget Resolution and the amount actually appropriated is "sequestered" by the Treasury and not handed over to the agencies to which it was originally appropriated by Congress, (Johnson, 2005). Sequestration will affect all departments in the government. Unfortunately it will affect myself as a senior enlisted leader in the United States Army. In 2012, the Department of Defense (DOD), laid out a vision for a smaller and a more agile military force that has more flexibility. The plan is to reduce the Army’s footprint from 580,000 to 490,000 (Feickert, 2013). To get to the end state the Army has to cut eight Brigade Combat Teams (BCT), as well as other units and Soldiers. Fort Stewart, GA, has to cut 1,500 Soldiers by 2015, the original date was 2017 (Bynum, 2014). The downsizing at a rapid rate will drastically reduce moral within its ranks.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the united states government is forced to take measures to reduce their operating budget. sequestration will affect all departments in the government.
- Explains that the army is using multiple means including performance and stagnation policies to reduce its forces.
- Opines that as a leader in the army, they must ensure that the perception of their soldiers is that leaders still care for their well-being, training, and education.
- Opines that soldiers and leaders need to have positive personal attributes and personality traits to keep a positive out-look during force restructure and uncertainty.
- Explains that the covenant removes the worst, takes the best, and encourages individuals to care for one another.
- Explains that fort stewart expects to shed 1,900 troops in 2015.
701 wordsRead More - Operational Reserve Capability Essaycomparative essayThe RC provides over half of the Army’s total capacity and this becomes increasingly important in the verge of balancing the force mix. One approach to lower risk without growing end-strength or major re-structuring is through greater utilization of the RC forces. Moreover, the current and future operational environment is dictating the high demand and enduring role of the RC in our Nation’s defense. Though the RC will always carry the responsibility to maintain strategic depth, its evolution suggests the necessity to maintain its operational mindset. The Army has been starring at this problem set for decades with no substantial changes. The government has invested in numerous studies and commissions to look at the pre-mobilization training model, all yielding the same results; it needs to be updated to reflect the current and future environment. Based on the evidence and findings of this research, the Army requires to maintain its operational reserve capability and the RC requires additional pre-mobilization training days and optimization to maximize its operational
In this essay, the author
- Recommends that the army maintain an operational reserve capability based on the evidence and findings of the research.
- Explains the army sustainable readiness model for 1:4 deploy-to-dwell ratio and commits to utilize the readiness in the available year. consolidate statutory training days into four quarterly training weeks to maximize individual and collective unit readiness.
- Recommends establishing a tths-like capability for rc that would allow them to maximize personnel allocations in operational units and increase manning above unit allowance using the generating force as the bill payer.
- Proposes changes to personnel, manning, training, and resourcing/funding policies and regulations, including changes in the u.s. code authorities in tittle 10 and 32.
- Concludes that the army is unique in its reliance on the rc forces. the army has been starring at this problem set for decades with no substantial changes.
- Argues that implementing an efficient and comprehensive pre-mobilization training model is assuming unnecessary risk to mission and force, inconsistency in generating readiness and threatening the viability of an operational reserve.
559 wordsRead More - Triangle Of Death Analysisanalytical essayAt the heart of this book is leadership. Poor leadership trumps all. The most squared away unit in the Army will cripple underneath nebulous leadership. Leadership shapes the battlefield and has more of an effect on subordinates than most think. Most of the effect is intangible, at least up until a terrible (or great) act is committed. The more that we as a society, and the Army more specifically, can look back on past events and learn from them the better off we all will be. Good leadership is a learned skill and, as with any learned skill, incorporating significant historical events into one’s decision-making process is vital for the advancement of the skill.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how jim frederick provides a succinct synopsis of what happened over the course of the deployment to iraq for bravo company's 1st platoon.
- Explains that first platoon was dealing with similar stressors as other units in the triangle of death, but bravo and charlie company both appeared to have rougher areas of operation.
- Explains that first platoon was singled out by the battalion commander and the sergeant major early on for what they interpreted as lack of discipline. this extra scrutiny may have isolated the platoon from the rest of the company.
- Analyzes how leadership failures and intense combat casualties led to the horrific war crimes committed by first platoon.
- Analyzes how the disunity of command led to the men having a destabilized command structure. frederick merely explains what happened, states relevant facts, shows how four soldiers were able to leave their posts to rape
- Opines that the army is more interested in forgetting about the tragedy than in ensuring that it never happens again.
- Opines that black hearts is a good case study for future leadership. if new leaders don't learn from past mistakes, tragedies will keep reoccurring.
- Opines that this is a wonderful read because it gives an unbiased third party account of leadership issues that the army needs to prepare its leaders for and what soldiers actually feel during deployments.
- Analyzes how leadership shapes the battlefield and has more of an effect on subordinates than most think. good leadership is a learned skill and incorporating significant historical events into one’s decision-making process is vital for the advancement of the skill.
894 wordsRead More - Kaminski, Paul G. "Building a Ready Force for the 21st Century." Defense Issues 11 (1996): 1-4.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that the military must be maintained to ensure a strong, healthy nation both abroad and on the home front.
- Explains that military down sizing is increasing at a rapid rate due to budget cuts. the carter-reagan buildup was shorter but smaller than the one for vietnam.
- Explains that the military's inability to provide its men and women with sufficient transportation is also a problem caused by budget cuts.
- Explains that the united states military has reduced its strength by about a third of what it was in 1985, despite this reduction in military strength.
- Opines that it is difficult to be absolutely positive where the next outbreak of war might occur.
- Opines that america may be enhancing its enemies' ability to pose a substantial threat by selling to allies or others in order to reduce research costs.
- Opines that the current force and funding reductions make it impossible for the united states to maintain its former deployed force deterrent, while modern technology makes the stakes too high to be caught without notice of unpredicted conventional or nuclear war.
- Opines that the world is entering a period of peace, but nations could be lying to one another about ceasing nuclear building.
- Explains that the down sizing of military budgets brings challenges with the search for improving efficiency and better value for money.
- Opines that america must maintain its military status to ensure a strong, healthy nation both abroad and on the home front.
- Cites jurgen and manas chatterji's economic issues of disarmament, published by the federation of american scientists.
1255 wordsRead More - How To Be A Military Leaderexplanatory essayThe Role of Military Leaders in the Transition Assistance Program. n.d. 09 Decemeber 2013 .
In this essay, the author
- Defines leadership as the ability to accomplish a set goal due to the act of inspiring and motivating peers.
- Explains the duties, responsibilities and actions of an effective leader in the army ranger handbook.
- Explains that a good leader is someone who has risen above and beyond to show cooperation, perseverance, and respect to decisions made by those still above.
- Explains that style is a personal way of thinking and committing actions by what methods the leader chooses to influence his team.
- Cites the rangers handbook and military onesource as a leadership tool.
920 wordsRead More - Combat Team Reflectionexplanatory essaySir, I am honored by the privilege to once again serve in 4th Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT). Over of the last 30 days, I had an opportunity to reconnect, and reflect on the current state of the Brigade. The 4th ABCT has a rich history of success and glory. It is my goal to put in place the systems and practices for this great organization to exceed all past and present accomplishments. As a result of my assessment, I identified three areas of focus that will improve our organization: a unit vision, a change in organizational culture and climate, and building organizational teams. I have no doubt that with the implementation of these three areas of focus, I will be the transformational leader that 4th ABCT needs as we prepare for the upcoming National Training Center (NTC) rotation and tackle the task of the Regionally Aligned Forces (RAF) mission.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that they are honored to serve in the 4th armored brigade combat team (abct). they identify three areas of focus that will improve their organization, including unit vision, organizational culture, and building organizational teams.
- Explains that the lack of a 4th abct vision is the critical leadership problem the organization faced. they believe that by implementing the kotter change model, the problems will quickly resolve.
- Explains how the lack of a clear vision to direct the brigade resulted in commanders and staff jumping from one crisis to the next.
- Explains the kotter change model begins with overcoming complacency, establishing goals, and setting timelines. they will use the positional power of legitimacy appropriately to change the tone of the organization.
- Explains that they will use mission command while focusing on "building the bench" to create leaders who can confidently lead and influence the organization.
- Explains that the 4th abct vision is a combat ready organization, founded on leadership and standards. the organization will be agile and adaptive to successfully undertake any assigned mission.
- Explains that they will communicate their vision enthusiastically and frequently to all soldiers within the brigade; brigade/battalion family readiness group meetings and events will serve as venues to further assuage spouse and family fears.
- Explains that the rocket model is linear in design and specifies who does what task and when to improve team morale, cohesion, and effectiveness.
- Explains that assessing the unit while operating is significant in determining whether the change is taking place. the momentum of the aforementioned key events will lead to the ntc rotation.
- Explains that they will use the halo of excellence to gauge stress levels and performance before increasing or reducing change; their coalition will serve as a sounding board in these decisions.
- Explains that by providing a clear, easily understood vision, and the application of the following systems, the 4th abct will be prepared to assume the raf mission and postured for the future.
1128 wordsRead More - Sequestration Advantagesanalytical essayThe mechanism of sequestration has and will reduce the country’s ability to efficiently manage the Army’s personnel requirements. As the Army reduces its personnel they should look at contractor levels and adjust them accordingly. The Army should reduce their reliance on contractor support personnel and increase the size of the Military to the appropriate personnel levels so that it can conduct and perform all of its missions. The increase in contractor numbers, though logical should not have occurred at the expense of the Military service member.
In this essay, the author
- Recommends that the army reduce its reliance on contractor support personnel and increase the size of the military to the appropriate personnel levels so it can conduct and perform all of its missions.
- Analyzes how the use of contractors reached a level unprecedented in u.s. military operations in iraq and afghanistan.
- Explains that contractors provide positive and negative benefits, but they create problems that the military has not been able to overcome.
- Argues that contracting has taken the counterinsurgency effort out of the hands of commanders on the ground.
- Explains that the army has been in the war zones for more than 9 years conducting combat operations supported by contractors, but the united states has not conducted an examination of the impact the use of contractors has in counter-insurgency.
470 wordsRead More - The Role Of The HR Sergeant In The Profession Of Armscomparative essayWe can identify three major cultural dimensions that help us to understand what leaders must focus on as they guide the transition of the Army. First, professional Identity, which is guided by Soldiers at all levels who are striving for excellence in their functional specialty, i.e., HR Sergeants. Soldiers who have goals and ideals of the Army to ethically put service and duty first. HR Sergeants are trained and well educated in their field. They are taught to put Soldiers first and have great customer support skills. Second, community, the sense in which Soldiers stop thinking about “I” and start thinking “we”. The bond among units who not only believe in cohesion with Soldiers, but their families too. The HR Sergeants are there to take care of Soldiers when financial issues arise with them or their families and don’t back down until the situation is solved. Last, hierarchy, which leads to order and control and provides Soldiers with moral reference and a sense of direction. The HR Sergeant has the mentality of mission first, knowing who to contact at the next level for assistance helps get the mission
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the human resources sergeant in the profession has the responsibility to balance the role of the professional arms and the army professional culture.
- Explains that the profession of arms is unique because the professionals are soldiers who are trained to kill and prepared to die for the nation.
- Explains that hr sergeants balance the army's four fields of expertise and its current and potential future operating environment in the administrative world. the relationship between army culture and climate influences the mindset of army professionals.
- Explains that army culture is the system of shared meaning held by its soldiers, the shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterize the larger institution over time.
- Concludes that the hr sergeant plays a great role in the profession of arms. they are professionals who are well educated in their profession and are dependable soldiers and leaders.
840 wordsRead More