ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY

The U.S. military can learn from strategies used by the Roman Empire, especially as it hones its focus on great-power competition, according to a new paper published by the Association of the U.S. Army.

The Army’s plan to modernize close-combat training hinges on a dynamic virtual training environment that is interoperable, realistic and scalable across all domains.

It also must have software that is compatible with a common architecture and easily updated.

The Army must continue to juggle a high demand for troops around the world with an urgent need to modernize the force, the service’s top general said. 

Defense analyst Todd Harrison of the nonpartisan Center for Strategic and International Studies warns 2021 could be a bleak budget year for the U.S. Army, with a significant risk to modernization efforts and troop strength.

A new Army directive attempts to clarify the role of major commands and organizations to provide a structure intended to “create irreversible momentum and achieve the persistent modernization required to meet the nation’s needs.” 

The Army’s speedy efforts to field augmented reality glasses is a prime example of how the military can move quickly on technology if it tries, said Ellen Lord, the defense undersecretary for acquisition and sustainment.

The Army will begin 2021 with some confidence about its modernization efforts, said Lt. Gen. James Pasquarette, Army deputy chief of staff for resources and plans. 

The Heritage Foundation’s “2021 Index of U.S. Military Strength” gives the U.S. Army high marks for improved readiness but once again scores the service as “marginal” because those readiness gains continue to be offset by ongoing struggles to modernize and grow the force.

An upcoming webinar hosted by the Association of the U.S. Army will feature the deputy Army chief of staff for resources and planning.

Lt. Gen. James Pasquarette, the Army G-8, speaks Nov. 18 as part of The AUSA Noon Report series.

The event begins at noon Eastern. The event is free, but registration is required.

A new review by the nonpartisan Center for Strategic and International Studies says the U.S. Army faces multiple challenges in the next few years.