Jonathan Welch

This report seeks to address how the U.S. Army can most effectively project and employ land power in the Indo-Pacific, during competition and conflict, with a focus on scenarios involving China. The authors developed three concepts to guide the Army's ground force role in the theater, offering the essential architecture of basing, information, relationships, and flexible combat power needed to make the joint force effective.

This document presents the second edition ruleset for the wargame played at the Marine Corps' Information Warfighter Exercise (IWX)--an event designed to provide training on information activities and capabilities. In the IWX wargame, two teams compete in a notional scenario, providing their side with a detailed plan for information activities and amending that plan dynamically in response to in-game events and the actions of the other team.

The authors sought to identify possible Russian flashpoints in Europe that could entangle the United States. Using quantitative and qualitative methods to analyze historical data on Russian disputes and conflicts, they identified the key drivers of such flashpoints. They derive planning implications for the United States and the U.S. Army in particular. This research was completed prior to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

This document presents the full ruleset for the wargame played at the Marine Corps? Information Warfighter Exercise (IWX)?an event designed to provide training for aspects of operations in the information environment (OIE). In the IWX wargame, two teams compete in a notional scenario, providing their side with a detailed plan for OIE and amending that plan dynamically in response to in-game events and the actions of the other team.

RAND Arroyo Center explored how the U.S. Army might need to adapt its personnel management policies and practices to support the Regionally Aligned Forces concept. Authors estimated the scope and scale of the requirement for regional expertise; modeled the Army s current ability to produce soldiers with the required expertise; and identified changes to the personnel management system to develop and match such soldiers with appropriate positions."

This report examines whether the assumption that jointness--the combination of cross-service activities, capabilities, operations, and organizations that enhances and increases the capabilities of individual services beyond their organic contributions--is valuable to the U.S. military is correct. Understanding which aspects of jointness are most valuable and why can help the Department of Defense compete more effectively against its adversaries.

Competition with near peers has become the defining U.S. national security priority in recent years, requiring the U.S. Army to rethink its roles and responsibilities. In support of Army efforts to better contribute to DoD's response to competition challenges, the authors reviewed relevant documentation; interviewed subject-matter experts; and examined overlaps between the existing supply of Army capabilities and the demands of competition.

Early-career officers in tactical units must understand and operate in an increasingly complex information environment, but there are few opportunities for formal education and training. With its quick-reference format and series of illustrative vignettes, this handbook is intended to facilitate tactical problem-solving and increase awareness of when and how to contribute to the goals of operations in the information environment.

Formal requirements for naval surface fire support (NSFS)--a way for the U.S. Navy to provide the equivalent of artillery support for forces operating ashore--are sometimes vague. For that reason, RAND researchers conducted an assessment of these requirements and programs and developed recommendations for changes to these requirements. Researchers also examined possible technological investments and solutions that could be considered by the Navy.

Researchers estimate average annual total costs of typical general and flag officers (G/FOs) as well as the annual total costs of specific G/FO positions in support of the Secretary of Defense's congressional reporting requirement. Estimated costs range from $270,000 for O-7 pay grades with no staff or travel to over $10 million for O-10 pay grades that receive continuous protection and must use government aircraft for official travel.

Increased use of the reserve component, particularly since September 11, 2001, and an expectation that this role will continue and possibly increase in the future has renewed interest in the question of the appropriate number of reserve component general and flag officers (RC G/FOs). RAND researchers conducted a review of requirements and authorized strength for RC G/FOs.