The Bottom Line Upfront
The head of Army Futures Command, Gen. James Rainey, stated that advancements in technology have made defense stronger than offense. This could lead to a shift in Army doctrine, with tanks and infantry serving the needs of longer-range weapons like artillery and rockets.
The Breakdown
- The increasing strength of defense and the complications faced by offense due to technology have significant implications for how the Army trains and equips its forces.
- Rainey's comments indicate a potential departure from the Army's traditional approach, which emphasized using long-range weapons to support aggressive strikes.
- The effectiveness of offensive operations has been challenged in conflicts like Ukraine and Russia, where advanced reconnaissance capabilities and long-range weapons have stymied traditional offensive tactics.
- The balance between offense and defense is shifting due to technological advancements, requiring a reevaluation of military strategies and the adoption of new weapons and command and control systems.
