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Mobilization in an Era of Great Power Competition and Technological Turbulence

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Given the proliferation of advanced technology and the current rise in tensions with near-peer adversaries, the demands of a protracted major conflict with one of these adversaries would likely exceed the capability of the nation’s existing force structure.  How should the United States mobilize to meet these demands?  We examine previous mobilization efforts, examine the challenges of relying on a similar approach in today’s environment, and then recommend changes in force structure to mitigate these mobilization challenges.  In the worst case, if left unaddressed, the convergence of these trends has the potential to create a national security crisis for the nation.  However, when adequately addressed the nation’s improved mobilization capability will increase the deterrent effect of our conventional military forces.

Given the proliferation of advanced technology and the current rise in tensions with near-peer adversaries, the demands of a protracted major conflict with one of these adversaries would likely exceed the capability of the nation’s existing force structure. How should the United States mobilize to meet these demands? We examine previous mobilization efforts, examine the challenges of relying on a similar approach in today’s environment, and then recommend changes in force structure to mitigate these mobilization challenges. In the worst case, if left unaddressed, the convergence of these trends has the potential to create a national security crisis for the nation. However, when adequately addressed the nation’s improved mobilization capability will increase the deterrent effect of our conventional military forces.

This research was partially sponsored by a grant from The Lockheed Martin Corporation.

 

 


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