Are U.S. Ground Forces Becoming Obsolete? CSIS Launches Year-Long Study on the Army’s Future

Assessing the Role of U.S. Land Forces: A One-Year Research Initiative

According to ХВИЛЯ: The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) has initiated a comprehensive, year-long study examining the role of U.S. ground forces in modern warfare. Titled 'The Future of Land Forces,' the project was unveiled by CSIS President John Hamre, Project Director Jerry McGinn, and retired U.S. Army Vice Chief of Staff General Jack Keane. During the launch, experts tackled pressing questions about drone warfare, the strategic challenges posed by Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, and the relevance of land forces in the Indo-Pacific region.

Ground Forces Under Pressure

General Jack Keane, who chairs the study’s advisory committee, described the current period as the most challenging since World War II. He pointed to a coordinated alignment among Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea that began roughly four to five years ago.

“The days of deploying into an active theater of war without the enemy challenging you are over.” - Jack Keane

He also warned that 'if you are visible, you are vulnerable,' highlighting new threats facing ground troops.

The research will also explore post-conflict reconstruction. McGinn noted that over the coming year, the team will produce materials for Congress, the administration, and the public. Reflecting on current military operations, John Hamre observed that “we live in an era where people think they can focus on just one or two missions.”

Hamre underscored the unique value of land forces: “Aircraft and ships create political dynamics, but only ground forces create political reality on the ground.”

The war in Ukraine is shaping public perceptions of drones, with Ukrainian forces largely fighting at the company and battalion levels. Regarding future threats to the U.S., the discussion covered:

• potential cyberattacks on domestic bases,
• strikes against transport vessels,
• kinetic attacks on troops.

Participants also stressed the importance of considering multiple levels of warfare-brigade, division, corps, and joint-as critical to understanding the role of land forces in modern conflicts.

The 'Future of Land Forces' study is expected to play a key role in U.S. strategic planning amid evolving threats and shifting military tactics. The dialogue centers on adapting ground forces to new realities, including the integration of advanced technologies and closer coordination with other military branches. With rising great-power tensions, the study’s findings could significantly shape future decisions on U.S. military policy and that of its global partners.

As the study by CSIS unfolds, it is essential to consider how modern warfare tactics, particularly the evolution of drone strategies in conflict zones like Ukraine and Israel, are influencing the effectiveness and necessity of ground forces. The insights gained from these divergent approaches could provide valuable context for understanding the future role of land troops in a rapidly changing battlefield landscape.