This CSIS video features a panel discussion with five Vice Chiefs of Staff from different branches of the US military. Moderated by Dr. Seth Jones, the discussion centers on evolving global security landscapes, particularly the implications of increasing cooperation between Russia and China, and how the US military is adapting its force posture, employment, and acquisition strategies to meet these challenges. The panel also delves into topics like the Army's transformation initiative, the Navy's shipbuilding priorities, and the role of autonomous and unmanned systems in future warfare.
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Evolving Global Landscape: The increasing cooperation between Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran poses significant implications for US force posture and employment, necessitating a global, rather than regionally focused, approach to defense.
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Joint Force Integration: The panelists emphasize the importance of joint force integration and the need for all branches to coordinate their efforts and resources in response to the changing geopolitical environment.
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Army Transformation: The Army is undergoing a significant transformation initiative, focusing on modernization and efficiency, including reducing headquarters staff and prioritizing technologies relevant to future conflicts.
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Navy Shipbuilding Priorities: The Navy recognizes China's superior shipbuilding capacity and is working to increase its own production rates through investments in the maritime industrial base and exploring partnerships with international shipyards.
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Autonomous and Unmanned Systems: The increasing use of autonomous and unmanned systems is a major focus across all services. These systems are being integrated into various warfighting functions, including logistics, fires, and sensing, to enhance capabilities and address logistical challenges.
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Acquisition Reform: The panelists highlight the need for acquisition reform to improve agility, flexibility, and speed in acquiring and deploying new technologies, focusing on outcomes over compliance with regulations.
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Workforce Development: The panel discusses the importance of workforce development, including attracting and retaining skilled personnel, exploring vocational training options, and adapting to the evolving needs of a modern military.
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Critical Minerals: The dependence of US military systems on critical minerals and metals controlled by adversaries is highlighted as a significant challenge, necessitating mitigation strategies.
