The fundamental question emerging from this premise relates to the size of the Army. Is the Total Army currently sized to conduct such extensive operations such as regime change and stability operations for an extend time period. Can the current Army support US strategic objectives as identified in the QDR and 2006 National Military Strategy. Over the last five years, the US Army has implemented numerous force structure changes and rebalanced its manpower in order to meet the high demand for troops and units, all the while attempting to minimize stress on the force. None the less, the high demand for units and soldiers required to conduct the Global War on Terrorism highlights the Army's limitations and its inability to adhere to the Department of Defense rotation planning factors. The following analysis, conducted outside of the formal army force structure modeling, finds that the Army's current end- strength is insufficient to meet current and anticipated 21st century demands. It is further supported by conducting an open source review of force structure recommendations by influential organizations outside of the Department of Defense. The paper will identify end-strength shortfalls and discuss their impact upon the credibility of the Department of Defense.
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