A flag bearer holds the American flag as American forces take part in the opening ceremony of Flintlock, anti-terrorism training in Thies, Senegal, Monday, Feb. 8, 2016. Flintlock is annual military exercises that focuses on anti-terrorism and security training by American and European security forces to country’s taking part. (AP Photo/Jane Hahn)
U.S. military readiness has deteriorated over the past year, according to a new study by a conservative think-tank that said the four service branches are unable to “meet their day-to-day requirements” and lack the “operational depth required to respond to a major crisis.”
The study by the American Enterprise Institute in Washington homed in on comments made during a series of March congressional hearings by top military commanders, who “painted a somber picture of military readiness.”
“One-third of the Army is ready to go to war against a powerful conventional foe, short of the target of having two-thirds of the force ready, as defined by Army training and operational plans,” the study said.
If the nation were to face a major crisis, the Army would likely have to deploy all uncommitted forces, including active duty, reserve and National Guard soldiers to respond, the study said, adding that the Army “would not be able to respond to two simultaneous conflicts.”
It also says the Marine Corps and Navy are currently worn thin by high rates of deployment and deteriorating equipment and could not keep up with the pace of global deployments over the past year.
With regard to the Air Force, the study said the service has sacrificed its ability to conduct a large-scale campaign with anywhere near the size and speed desired by Pentagon commanders and continues to train pilots for only mission-specific needs.
Originally posted 2016-05-07 12:22:59.
I would have to agree, military equipment gets worn out pretty fast in the desert, regardless that may be a good thing as most of it is not suited to combat in our age. I know about cuts in the Marine Corps especially, http://tacticaldefensemedia.com/usmc-tank-battalion-reduced-as-charlie-company-deactivated/#more-4096
Hopefully cold-war mentality so far as reequipping our forces will not continue, think cyber war, intelligence led missions by small groups of special forces, we’re not going to fight another WWII, too many nations have nukes, conventional war as known for the US military is a thing of the past. I think even the structure our military is based upon needs a serious look, we’re not in the 1800’s anymore, divisions may be far too large.. The Marine Corps is/was a good model for a flexible force, but needs some changes as well – cyber – more intel – more special ops training pushed to a lower level. More disaster response training and related gear too – probably will be needed CONUS.
What do you think Colonel?
Semper Fi,
Josh Cohen
Josh, I must take exception to some of your thinking. The US should never retool to eliminate the potential for the ability to handle a major crisis. To do so would be fool hearty and highly dangerous. Yes I concur cyber warfare needs to be emphasized and I believe it is. And one can never argue the need for Intel at every level of command. But let’s not get caught up in the star wars syndrome created by all the video war gaming that has brought about this flawed thinking that the next war will be battles between the high tech advocates. There may not be a WW III, albeit I am of the opinion, it’s already here. What if you are wrong? There is still a need to be prepared for a major crisis, China, Russia, Africa, to name only a few that still linger. You asked for my thoughts and that’s it.