Army Transformation and Modernization: Overview and Issues for Congress

摘要

Modernization is not a new issue or objective for U.S. military forces but it has taken on new urgency because of: the post-Cold War downsizing and procurement reductions, the new global environment and unexpected requirements, and the promise of a 'revolution in military affairs' (RMA) suggested by rapid developments in computers, communications, and guidance systems. The last notable surge in modernization culminated during the 'Reagan build-up' of the 1980's. Weapons and doctrines developed and fielded in that era made fundamental contributions to United States successes in the Cold War, the Gulf War, and Kosovo. For the Army, such weapons included the M1 Abrams tank, M2 Bradley armored fighting vehicle, Apache attack helicopter, Blackhawk utility helicopter, and Patriot air defense system.