The Army Reserve: Relevant in Force XXI.

Abstract : The Army is changing to remain an essential element of the United States national power in the information age. The first step of the Army's doctrinal journey into the future was Force XXI. This concept provides the Army's vision of future operations for the strategic Army of the early 21st Century. The essential features of Force XXI are utilization of information-age technologies; integration of service components into effective battle teams; more lethal, survivable, and agile systems; and more capable soldiers and leaders. Will the modernization efforts of these features coupled with declining defense budgets, an ambiguous threat perception and a strength reduction create a readiness challenge that obviates the Army Reserve as a credible part of the total force? The answer to this question is pursued by examining doctrine, training, leader development, organizations, materiel and soldiers in the transition through Force XXI. The Army of the future will be equipped with the most modern weapons and equipment the US can provide, relevant to the needs of the nation and adapting to meet the demands of today and the 21st Century. The Army Reserve will transition through Force XXI as the Army's combat service support connectivity from the tactical to the strategic. The degree of modernization will be directly proportional to the funds available based on the priorities established. In order to remain a relevant part of the Total Army, modernization programs must balance the tiered resourcing within the strategic force packages. The Army Reserve must be proactive in the transition to ensure that the new technology interfaces with existing systems.