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Changes in Military Strategy: Strategic Mobility Initiative

By Barry Romo

Those who suspect the U.S. may be in Somalia to establish a new military base are a bit behind the times. The military's new strategic program give the U.S. a formula for fighting anyplace in the world without costly overseas facilities.

The plan, outlined in a statement issued by chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff, General Colin Powell, allows the Army to be based domestically, but will rely on Navy and Air Force transports for rapid response overseas deployment.

5000 troops could be positioned anywhere in the world within five days and 45,000 more within 30 days. The three "30-day" divisions would be followed by two others, and the remaining half of the Army-82nd Airborne, 101st Airborne, 7th Light Infantry, 1st Calvary and the 24th Mechanized Divisions—would complete the Ready reaction Force, able to strike within 75 days.

The plan required pre-positioned equipment aboard ships, unlike the scenario in Saudi Arabia for the Iraq War. And, for the first time, Army units will preposition supplies aboard ships. The supplies will remain packaged for use in an "emergency"—a tactic used very successfully by the Marines during Operation Desert Storm.

Powell's announcement confirms a predominate role for the Army in the 21st Century military actions. The Navy must come up with the necessary sea transports or convert existing ships instead of getting history's more glamourous air craft carriers. The Air Force will be required to provide supportive C-141s, C-17s and C-5 transport air fleets so it can taxi troops around. Unlike previous aircraft, today's Air Force planes will be able to land at nearly any airport in the world.

Initially, Strategic Mobility would be expensive; The cost of the new acquisitions would run about $7 billion. But, the U.S. will be able to suspend its dependence on costly foreign bases. Most large facilities like those in Panama, Philippines, and Germany would be rendered obsolete.

The new plans not only explain why the U.S. gave up major installations in the Philippines and reduced troop strength in Panama: The Initiative is being played out in Somalia as a humane rehearsal for tomorrow's military theater—like those beach landing at night, securing the local airport, and 'how to build a bridge with these new light-weight spans we just happen to have handy.'