US Army concept 2030 – in search of a fresh asymmetric advantage on the battlefield.

Zdjęcie: Chińska polityka energetyczna – 2025-02-08T235949.153

Introduction

The United States Land Army faces a number of fresh challenges in strengthening the force of the rematching powers of China and Russia. This implies the request to reorganize the army to be able to declassify the land troops of possible rivals. The main goal is to transform the army. With anti-partisan action, known for its conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, it is to have forces capable of combating a symmetrical armed conflict. The full improvement and modernisation strategy is intended to meet the challenges of LSCO (Large Scale Combat Operations). These operations are characterised by intensity, advanced failure rate, fast pace and crucial resource consumption [1].

Changing the nature of modern armed conflict

The changes seen in the current armed conflicts mean that the American continent will not be safe. In planet War I and planet War II, this was of immense importance. The oceans were a natural barrier, which allowed the manufacture and the war economy to make to the degree different in military history. The attacks of German submarines, or the incidental nipponese attempts to attack the continent, did not have much impact on the conduct of war. They were besides incapable to endanger the American economy and population. This level of assurance in safety has penetrated American strategical culture.

However, the improvement of modern means of impact and increased Russian or Chinese hybrid activities will pose fresh challenges. Especially for army modernisation programs specified as US Army 2030. Hacking attacks on infrastructure, disinformation or manipulation campaigns will pose a crucial threat to military logistics, recruitment strategy and mobilization capabilities. The U.S. Department of Defence has drawn up the JADO (Joint-All Domain Operations) concept, which must be met by improvement and possible modernization set.

The concept of air-land conflict dominated the US Army for 20 years. The air force interacted with the ground troops, tying up the opponent's fight and eliminating his means of combat. In 2001, it was replaced by a concept of full spectrum operations.

Multidomain Operation (MDO), source: US Army activities and investment plan

According to the US Army Training and Doctrine Command, MDO (i.e. multi-domain operation) is defined by the violent and continuous integration of all areas of the battlefield [2]. Field Manual 3-0 defines multi-domain operation as: “The combined armies defloyment of joint and Army capitalities to make and exploit comparative advantages that accomplish objects, defeat enemy forces, and consolidated gain on behalf of joint force commanders.’ (Combined deployment of joint and army capabilities to make and exploit comparative advantages to accomplish goals, defeat enemy forces and consolidate profits on behalf of joint forces commanders).

The intent of the MDO is to make technology in all possible areas of the battlefield to gain dominance, while deterring possible aggressor [3]. MDO is expected to importantly grow the existing concept of air-land conflict dominant in the US Army since the Warsaw Pact. This is mainly due to the requirements of the modern battlefield and the anticipation of possible opponents from the A2/AD ranges (Anti-access/area denial) [4]. MDO ensures that the battlefield will be importantly expanded compared to the earlier concept of air-land battle.

The consequence to the requirements of multi-domain operation is multi-domain combat groups (MDTF). They are intended to combine intelligence, cyber, information, WRE (radioelectronic combat) and space forces components to let a precise impact on distant distances in many domains, while utilizing kinetic and non-kinetic means of impact [5]. The task of these units is to penetrate the environment and counter the possible opponent's A2/AD capabilities.

At this point, 5 units of this kind are in the organisation phase [6]. They are to be available at TDW (Theatre of War Action) level and support coalition forces.

US Army 2030

The US Army 2030 programme is to meet the priorities set in the National safety strategy and National Defence strategy of 2022 [7]. These papers identify China as an expanding challenge and Russia as a current threat. Iran and North Korea have besides been identified as a permanent threat.

U.S. Army plans to increase capabilities through the MTA (Middle Tier of Acquisition) approach. It involves introducing fresh capabilities into the army within 2-5 years. The concept itself was passed by legislature in 2016 and implemented by the defence Department in 2018 [8]. The way makes it possible to test prototypes at a evidence velocity and introduce them to the armed forces. So far more than 100 projects have been carried out under the MTA. Most are tiny projects, but 10% are afraid with upgrading key programs specified as B-52, F-22, hypersonic missiles and Protected Tactitcal SATCOM.

The strength of the 2030 Army concept is to strengthen the aspect in which the American Army dominates since planet War II – systemality. The centre of gravity is spread equally across all elements of the puzzle: from recruitment and mobilisation to logistics. Published by the American Army Field Manual 3-0 Operations transforms multi-domain operations from concepts into doctrine [9]. This doctrine is an evolution of acquainted concepts of air-land battle, full spectrum operations and unified land activities. The manual besides includes conclusions from the last 20 years of anti-partisan operations and lessons from the conflict in Ukraine.

For the past 20 years, brigade combat groups have been primary units of the US Army at tactical level. The conclusions of the war in Ukraine indicate that only individuals at a higher level are capable of operations changing the situation on the front. It's about divisions, corps, or armies of a given TDW. To let the operation of units of specified a level, the US Army invests in specified units as:

1. Multi-domain task groups,
2. Security forces support brigades,
3. TDW Fire Units,
4. TDW information advantage units,
5. TDW Military Intelligence Brigade.

With the addition of these units to the TDW Army, the commanders will receive a useful tool to keep dominance over possible opponents from China and Russia. Corpses were defined as the basic level for synchronisation and imposition of multi-domain activities. Corps office will face a very hard task of synthesize crucial amounts of data from various areas of the battlefield: land, air, cyberspace and space. In addition, corps commanders will be liable for maintaining force on the deep battlefield, which is besides the first contact line of troops. This will let effectors in the form of circular missiles, circular ammunition and long-range missiles.

The coordination measurement for these activities is to be Joint All-domain Command and Control. The basic tactical level concept defines divisions. They are the ones who are meant to let the positioning of brigade combat teams to gain tactical advantage. So far, divisions have mainly served as administrative bodies with the anticipation of operational dislocation, to manage brigade combat teams. In a future possible large-scale war, the divisions must one more time take over the function of the core operational units [10]. The air defence squadrons are intended to enable anti-aircraft defence to be deployed where a tactical situation so requires. Division level bomb squads will face a much more hard task of securing crossings in the disputed environment.

Reinforced Armoured Division (Fig. 1)

The reinforced armored division is to be the heaviest kind of US Army division. Its operational function will be directed at breaking through with its supporting effectors on the battlefield and exploit the breaches in the rear of the opponent. These tasks are to support the organic at division level extended artillery and bomb squad units. Plans to transform into enhanced armored divisions specified as:

1. 1st Cavalry Division
2. 1st Armored Division
3. 34th Infantry Division (National Guard)

The manoeuvring component in these divisions is to constitute 3 armored brigade combat teams (ABCT – Armored Brigade Combat Team) [11]. An interesting and innovative unit of the squadron of armored cavalry is to be the Cross Domain Troop. It will be a service, investigating and implementation unit for the latest technology, including drones and circular ammunition.

A fire component in the division will be a divisional artillery consisting of 3 battalions of 155mm self-propelled artillery. Additional support of the full division is to supply an artillery battalion excavated in M1299 Extended scope Cannon Artillery (ERCA), capable of firing 155mm missiles up to 70 km range. (Fig. 1)

Reinforced US Army Armored Division, source: TRADOC (Fig. 1)

Armoured Division (Figure 2)

However, the Reinforced Armoured Division will not be the only unit created under the 2030 US Army Modernization Programme. It is besides planned to make lighter, more basic armored divisions. the heavier enhanced division will be distinguished by a smaller specialization and lighter organic artillery component. The armored divisions will be transformed into specified units as:

1. 1st Infantry Division
2. 3rd Infantry Division
3. 36th Infantry Division (National Guard)

The maneuvering component is to consist of 2 armoured brigade combat teams and 1 brigade combat squad on Stryker transporters. Unlike the reinforced divisions, the units will not have a squadron of armored cavalry [12].

The fire component is to be carried out by a divisional artillery brigade consisting of: 2 field artillery battalions extracted in 155mm self-propelled guns and 1 field artillery battalion composed of a towed 155mm caliber division. (Figure 2)

US Army Panzer Division, source: TRADOC (Fig. 2)

Light Division (Figure 3)

US Army light divisions are to be the largest units in the US Army. At the same time, the main force is to be the IBCT – brigade infantry combat teams, most likely renamed LCBT in the future – Light Brigade Combat Teams or MCBT – Mobile Brigade Combat Teams. specified posts are planned to be transformed into units specified as:

1. 10th Mountain Division
2. 25th Infantry Division
3. 11th Airborne Division

In addition, specified units as:

1. 28th Infantry Division
2. 29th Infantry Division
3. 35th Infantry Division
4. 40th Infantry Division
5. 42nd Infantry Division

to be the Light defender Divisions (NG).

3 Light/Mobile Combat Brigade Teams (LCBT/MCBT) and 1 MPPB – Mobile Protected Firepower Battalion are to be liable for the maneuvering component. These battalions are to be equipped with support vehicles armed with a 105mm gun. The company of these vehicles is to support brigade combat teams. The M10 Booker armor guns are to be liable for this task. The first guns were delivered to units in April 2024 [13]. Interestingly, each brigade is to have a company of military intelligence.

The fire component is to be handled by a brigade at division level, composed of 3 field artillery battalions equipped with towed guns. It is possible that in the future drawn guns will be replaced with self-propelled guns on the chassis of trucks or related ones. The 1st Battalion is to consist of a 155mm division and the 2 remaining 105mm M777. These units are intended to supply fire support to brigade combat teams, in case of the request for a "larger calibre" there are inactive organic field artillery brigades at body level, equipped with the rocket artillery of HIMARS/MLRS systems [14].

US Army Light Division, source: TRADOC (Fig. 3)

The next US Army 2030 units are to be:

1. Airborne Division (JFE – Joint Forensic Entry), in terms of working close to the light division, but with direction for air-desert operations. The 82nd Division and 173th Air-Desant Brigade are to be converted to meet the requirements of a full independent Brigade Combat Team.
2. Air Assault Division (JFE – Joint Force Entry), minimally motorized, utilizing chopper transport. The 101st division [15] is expected to run to these posts.

Despite changes in management levels, the US Army 2030 concept has not accused brigade combat teams, which have been working horses of the US Army for the past 20 years. The nonsubjective is to exploit their possible in decision-making velocity and flexibility. Their reduced size is intended to strengthen the advantages of maneuvering and endurance by scattering on the battlefield. The work for ensuring the coordination of air domination from the brigade level to the divisional level is planned.

All these changes are to function systematically at each level. It is simply a necessity in a modern battlefield dominated by means of influence not specified in the erstwhile doctrine of the air-land battle. Units of each level are to be built in mark and task-based direction.

Training

The most crucial component of the US Army 2030 concept are people. They form conflict groups and teams and manage actions on the battlefield.

In training terms, the US Army 2030 is expected to draw lessons from ongoing armed conflicts. Especially wars in Ukraine. It is planned to introduce training in virtual reality to prepare soldiers for any possible scenarios. Purchases of fresh equipment and integration of fresh technology are to be combined with the possible realistic training according to observations from Ukraine. The emphasis will be on the initiative and improvement of leadership in the armed forces.

New technologies

US Army 2030 is not only doctrinal and organisational changes but, above all, technological development. Starting with technologies like cloud computing and hypersonic weapons. The portfolio of all improvement programmes is highly wide, including:

1. Next Generation Combat Vehicle (NGCV)
2. Maneuver-Short scope Air defence (M-SHORAD)
3. Army Integrated Air and rocket defence (AIAMD)
4. Forward Area Air defence Command and Control (FAAD C2)
5. Indirect Fire Protection Capability – advanced Power Microwave (IFPC-HPM)
6. Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW)
7. Joint Air-to-Ground rocket (JAGM)
8. 155 mm Excalibur Projectiles
9. Indirect Fire Protection Capability – advanced Energy Laser (IFPC-HEL)
10. Booker Combat Vehicle – M10
11. Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV)

Given the fast technological change in the modern battlefield, US Army is trying to adjust their acquisition plans. A good example is the acceleration of the planned implementation of the NGSW task – Next Generation Squad Weapons. In the light of experience from Ukraine, the army has greatly accelerated the implementation, acquisition and integration of projects specified as lethal unmanned systems known as circulating ammunition.

Summary

Sensory changes the battlefield. The future war will no longer be an asymmetrical war known to the US Army over the past 20 years. Therefore, there is simply a request to search fresh advantages and to coordinate fresh effectsors in order to keep the dominance of the US Army on land in relation to possible armies of rematched powers.

The primary nonsubjective of this action is to be the more effective deterrence that is intended to be achieved by maintaining a visible advantage. The above jobs will change with the improvement of the concept, so the final composition and size of the units will change.

The concept can be criticised for besides specialization of individual tactical units. dense divisions have besides small infantry component, which could be a threat in a high-intensity conflict. On the another hand, light divisions have besides much of this infantry, but small support for dense equipment.

US Army 2030 is fundamentally a set of organizational reforms, but much emphasis is besides placed on doctrinal changes. The U.S. Army has been an perfect example of a systemic army since planet War II. Systemic action involves a level playing field for all areas of war: from the economical base, through logistics to the soldier.

US Army expects to accomplish full operational capacity for MDO operations by 2035 [16].

Bibliography

1. MAJ R. Locklear, The Army of 2040: An Extension of the 2030 Goals, ausa.org, 08.03.2024, link: https://www.ausa.org/publications/army-2040-extension-2030-goals [accessed 18.01.2025]
2. Ibid.
3. Ibid.
4. Congressional investigation Service, The Army’s AimPoint and Army 2030 Force Structure Initiatives, crsreports.org, 31.01.2022, link: https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF11542 [accessed 18.01.2025]
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7. Gen. James Rainey, Lt. Gen. Laura Potter, Delivering the Army of 2030, warontherocks.com, 06.08.2023, link: https://warontherocks.com/2023/08/delivering-the-army-of-2030/ [accessed 18.01.2025]
8. Pete Modigliani, Dan Ward, Matt MacGregor, Get to Know the mediate Tier of Awesome...Er, Acquisition, defenseone.com, 12.09.2022, link: https://www.defenseone.com/ideas/2022/09/get-know-middle-tier-awesomeer-accession/37/017/ [accessed 18.01.2025]
9. Gen. James Rainey, Lt. Gen. Laura Potter, Delivering the Army of 2030, warontherocks.com, 06.08.2023, link: https://warontherocks.com/2023/08/delivering-the-army-of-2030/ [accessed 18.01.2025]
10. Battle Order, U.S. Army’s Way Forward: 5 fresh Division Organizations, battleorder.org, 11.04.2023, link: https://www.battorder.org/post/waypoint-divisions [accessed 18.01.2025]
11. Ibid.
12. LTC Kevin Hadley, MAJ Savannah Spencer, MAJ Justin Martens, How the Army 2030 Divisions Fight (Formerly Known as WayPoint 2028), TRADOC Proposed Office—Echelons Above Brigade, U.S. Army Combined Arms Center, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, 02.02.2023
13. John Ashley, Army takes transportation of first M10 Booker Combat Vehicle, army.mil, 18.04.2024, link: https://www.army.mil/article/275419/army_takes_delivery_of_first_m10_booker_combat_vehicle [accessed 18.01.2025]
14. Battle Order, U.S. Army’s Way Forward: 5 fresh Division Organizations, battleorder.org, 11.04.2023, link: https://www.battorder.org/post/waypoint-divisions [accessed 18.01.2025]
15. LTC Kevin Hadley, MAJ Savannah Spencer, MAJ Justin Martens, How the Army 2030 Divisions Fight (Formerly Known as WayPoint 2028), TRADOC Proposed Office—Echelons Above Brigade, U.S. Army Combined Arms Center, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, 02.02.2023
16. Congressional investigation Service, The Army’s AimPoint and Army 2030 Force Structure Initiatives, crsreports.org, 31.01.2022, link: https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF11542 [accessed 18.01.2025]