The Conventional Arms Balance, Part 2: The U.S. Army Must Counter Soviet Gains

Publication Date: April 1986

Publisher: Heritage Foundation (Washington, D.C.)

Author(s): Kim R. Holmes

Research Area: Military and defense

Keywords: Russia and Eurasia

Type: Report

Abstract:

The U.S. Army has improved vastly since the bleak days of the late 1970s. But much remains to be done. The role of the light infantry divisions needs to be clarified. Force deficiencies need to be rectified to implement the Army's AirLand Battle doctrine. The size of the Army's senior officer corps needs to be reduced. New anti-tank and air defense weapons need to be bought. The Pentagon needs to prepare for an impending manpower crunch. And the reserve system needs to be reformed.