A New Division of Labor

A new U.S. grand strategy has been emerging, one that requires not only resources but patience and commitment: the promotion of democracy and freedom abroad. The U.S. armed forces will continue to be among the myriad contributors necessary to achieve this goal. In the face of increasing complexity, changing tactics, and tight budgets, the defense establishment will need to change in multiple ways, yet must also not risk its historic strengths. This volume draws together and integrates insights derived from a wide range of research efforts undertaken at RAND over the past few years. Some of the observations include different ways to organize and employ forces and to divide labor among them, updated insights about the natures of likely future conflicts, the need to further improve information resources, and the value of fostering partnerships among the services and with allies. The authors also offer specific recommendations, such as a recommendation to the Air force to reevaluate its concepts for large-scale power projection.