Total Force Restructuring Under Sequestration and Austere Budget Reductions

The United States Army is at a strategic crossroads wherein dramatic decisions with generational impacts will have to be made. In addition to the uncertainty generated by sequestration, the Army will have to balance a shift in the National Security Strategy all while entering a post-war era with a personnel drawdown to be completed by Fiscal Year 2017. Ultimately, the Army must decide the right size and types of force structure that meet national-level objectives. Alternatives are explored with the intent to provide senior Army leadership with options involving all three components of the Total Force assertive enough to adapt the force within an austere budget environment. There is a tremendous opportunity for change, but it will require the Army to adopt an approach that maximizes the operational reserve capability offered by the Reserve Components while accepting a significantly decreased Active Component.