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Informing the Army’s Future Structure

I don't know if this has been posted yet. Or even if it is still up to date.



It references

5x Theaters - Pacific, Europe, Central, South and North
Each with a Main and a Contingency Command Post
Also with Future and Current Ops sections
Also with a G39 Info Advantage Element

Each Theater to have

1x SFAB Security Force Assistance Brigade
1x MDTF Multi Domain Task Force - Army and Joint Fires
1x Theater Fires Command - Army Fires incl LRPF (SM6 and Tomahawks?)
1x Theater Information Advantage Element - Non Lethal Info Warfare incl Cyber
1x Theater Strike Effects Group - Space Liaison

4x Corps - I, III, V and XVIII

Each Corps to have

1x Operational Fires Command - Army, Joint and Multi-National Fires
Corps to be assigned Brigades organized into Divisions.

5 types of Divisions

Standard Light - Primary force element - 3x Motorised BCTs with 1x MPF Bn and 0x Cav Sqn
Joint Forcible Entry Air Assault (Light) - 101st - Theater support motorized infantry - 3x Motorised BCTs with 1x Cav Sqn and 1x MPF Bn - rotors
Joint Forcible Entry Airborne (Light) - 82nd - Globally deployable motorized infantry - 3x Motorised BCTs with 1x Cav Sqn and 1x MPF Bn - wings

Standard Heavy - Primary armored element - 2x tracked Combined Arms BCT with 1x Stryker BCT and 0x Cav Sqn
Reinforced Heavy - Forced entry element - 3x tracked Combined Arms BCT with 1x Eng Bde and 1x Cav Sqn.

All BCTs to have their own Arty Bn but all Arty Bns held at Div Arty Bde
All Divs to have a Protection Bde ( rear area security and air defence)
All Divs to have an Aviation Bde ( helos and UAVs)
All Divs to have a Sustainment Bde
All Divs to have an Eng Bn (except the reinforced Heavy Bde which has a complete Eng Bde to itself)
 
It strikes me that even with the kit we have on hand it should not be beyond our abilities to field at least a Standard Light Division and possibly even a Standard Heavy Division (or at least a Light Division with a LAV Brigade and a Tank Bn).


  • Jan 10, 2022

U.S. Army's Way Forward: 5 New Division Organizations​

Updated: 2 days ago


27 Mar 2023: This article was originally published referencing late 2021 proposals when details were vague. I am in the process of updating them with the late 2022 proposals and clarifications made at the Maneuver Warfighter Conference. Graphics marked with a red date in the left hand corner are the updated ones.​


a137e0_6792409804934c0781d5f217fdcc5d4f~mv2.jpg




As the U.S. Army is refocusing on division-centric large scale combat operations (LSCO), it is planning on reviving the division as a proper tactical unit of action. From the late 2000s, the Brigade Combat Team had become the Army's units of action with full-spectrum combat support. At that time, divisions became primarily administrative bodies with little in the way of combat capabilities outside of the its BCTs and Aviation Brigades. Division Headquarters could be deployed to a combat zone as operational headquarters and command any BCT from any other division, which they did during its counter-insurgencies. Theoretically, even if a heavy Armored Division had light Infantry BCTs in it, it wouldn't matter that much in practice. However, with large-scale conventional war on everyone's mind, the Army believes larger units with capabilities aligned to conventional warfighting will be required. In a sense, divisions will become units of action again wielded by corps as units of employment (as opposed to the brigade-centric model).



To this end, TRADOC dropped a video in December 2021 that lays out five tentative division organizations that will replace the current state of modular division headquarters. Three will be specialized and will likely be few in number (the Armor [Reinforced], Airborne and Air Assault Divisions), while two standard layouts will constitute the bulk of the Army's force structure (the Armor Division and Light Division). The development of specialized divisions is so units are adequately aligned to certain operational niches, which they can then be equipped for and train to become particularly proficient in.



NEW 2023: Since the original 2021 announcement, much has been clarified and some changes have been made. The effort has been branded Army of 2030, as opposed to Waypoint 2028 (Force Design 2030 much?). A Maneuver Warfighter Conference took place in early 2022 that shed some light on the purpose of specific subunits, more articles have been written about the efforts of specific communities (especially sustainment), and additional proposals at TRADOC were made in December 2022. I will be updating this article to include those changes.



This article does not cover the numerous units which may be attached to divisions in direct or general support from the Corps-level.



Armor Division (Reinforced) [formerly Penetration]​






The Armor Division (Reinforced) is the heaviest of the types, with a clear focus on breakthrough operations (penetrating an enemy’s defensive line). Commensurate with this role, the division has a very large contingent of combat engineers and bridging equipment (for river crossings), the most capable artillery, and the heaviest mix of maneuver units.



The 1st Cavalry, 1st Armored, and 34th Infantry (NG) will be the Armor Divisions (Reinforced).



The Maneuver includes 3 Armored Brigade Combat Teams. Each will include an HHC, 3 Combined Arms Battalions (CAB), 1 Armored Cavalry Troop, 1 Brigade Engineer Battalion, and 1 Brigade Support Battalion.



Divisional Cavalry Squadrons are also making a comeback. This squadron will include 3 Division Cavalry Troops (which include 2 Bradley Scouts platoons, 2 Tank Platoons, 1 Robot Combat Vehicle Platoon, and a 120mm Mortar Section) and a Surveillance Company. It is unclear what the Surveillance Company will entail, but the most logical capabilities would either be Long-Range Surveillance (LRS) similar to U.S. Marine Division Reconnaissance or a multi-domain military intelligence unit.



The Fires includes the Division Artillery with the ABCT's cannon battalions shifted up. It will have 3 Field Artillery Battalions equipped with M109A7 155mm self-propelled howitzers and 1 Field Artillery Battalion equipped with the M1299 Extended Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA). The latter is a 155mm self-propelled howitzer which pushes the M109A7’s 40 km effective range (with certain precision munitions) out to at least 70 km. The DIVARTY will also likely be responsible for commanding any artillery (such as MLRS or HIMARS) attached from Corps levels in direct support. It will be getting its own Brigade Support Battalion (BSB) to support its substantial ammunition requirements.



The Combat Support includes an Engineer Brigade and Protection Brigade. The Engineer Brigade is the beefiest of the division types, with 3 Engineer Battalions that control a total of 7 Combat Engineer Companies, 5 Bridging Companies, 2 Construction Companies, and 1 Route Clearance Company. These elements, in addition to the brigades’ own engineer assets, will enhance the division’s ability to breach obstacles, perform counter-mobility operations, and make mass river crossings. The Protection Brigade meanwhile, which is a part of all divisions, will be responsible for rear area security. It's basically like an organic version of a Maneuver Enhancement Brigade It will include an Engineer Battalion (presumably to prepare defenses in depth), Military Police Battalion, Air Defense Artillery Battalion (equipped with the Stryker-based M-SHORAD, IFPC, and Counter-UAS systems), CBRN Defense Battalion, and its own Support Battalion. M-SHORAD units may be attached to maneuver units to provide local air defense as required.



The Sustainment includes a Division Sustainment Brigade, which will consist of a Division Special Troops Battalion (DSTB) and Division Sustainment Support Battalion (DSSB). Every other brigade in the division also has an organic Brigade Support Battalion (BSB). Here is a very good article on Armor Division 2030 sustainment enhancements.



The Aviation includes an Aviation Brigade (Heavy) with an Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, Assault Helicopter Battalion, Attack/Reconnaissance Squadron, and UAS Company as its flying units.



Armor Division [formerly Heavy]​






The Armor Division will constitute the bulk of the U.S. Army’s armored forces. It will be less specialized in the breakthrough role than the Reinforced Armor Division (with fewer engineers and artillery units) and will retain a battalion-sized security and reconnaissance unit in each of its maneuver brigades. But, it is perhaps more flexible due to its larger complement of infantry which can help the division during defensive operations or operations in complex terrain.

The 1st Infantry, 3rd Infantry, 4th Infantry, and 36th Infantry (NG) will be Armor Divisions.

The Maneuver includes 2 Armored Brigade Combat Teams and 1 Stryker Brigade Combat Team. The ABCTs are similar to those in the Penetration Division, but with an entire Armored Cavalry Squadron rather than just a troop. Unlike the Penetration Division, the Armor Division lacks a divisional Cavalry Squadron. The SBCT meanwhile is composed of an HHC, 3 Stryker Infantry Battalions, 1 Stryker Cavalry Squadron, and 1 Brigade Support Battalion. The presence of the Strykers provides the Armor Division with additional infantry mass carried in well-armed and moderately armored carriers. This brings benefits for operations in complex terrain (including urban environments) where dismounted bayonet strength is at a premium, and during defensive operations. But, at the same time, the Stryker platform offers greater protection and firepower than the lightly motorized IBCTs.

The Fires includes an Artillery Brigade with 2 Field Artillery Battalions equipped with M109A7 155mm self-propelled howitzers (aligned to the mobility requirements of the ABCTs) and 1 Field Artillery Battalion initially equipped with towed 155mm howitzers.

The Combat Support includes an Engineer Battalion and Protection Brigade. The Engineer Battalion has a total of 5 Combat Engineer Companies. The Protection Brigade which will be the same as previously stated.

The Sustainment includes a Division Sustainment Brigade, which will be the same as previously stated.

The Aviation includes an Aviation Brigade (Heavy) with an Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, Assault Helicopter Battalion, Attack/Reconnaissance Squadron, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Company as its flying units.



Light Division​


The Light Division will likely be the most numerous division in the U.S. Army, accounting for the majority of the non-airborne/air assault/armored Brigade Combat Teams BCTs. IBCTs have been notable for their light motorized infantry mounted in the Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV), Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) or MRAP depending on the unit and need. Although there seems to be some intent on standardizing the motorpool on ISV in the future. Infantry BCTs in the future will become either Motorized BCTs (MBCTs) or Light BCTs (LBCTs). The latter is of course motorized, based on talks given seemingly on the ISV for Rifle Companies, while the latter is footmobile, optimized for air assaults and operations in urban, subterranean, and other complex terrain.

The 10th Mountain, 25th Infantry Divisions and 11th Airborne Divisions will be the active-duty Light Divisions. The 28th Infantry, 29th Infantry, 35th Infantry, 38th Infantry, 40th Infantry, and 42nd Infantry will be the National Guard Light Divisions.

The Maneuver includes 3 Light or Motorized Brigade Combat Teams and 1 Tank Battalion (MPF). The IBCTs are triangular, with 3 Infantry Battalions supported by 1 Cavalry Troop, 1 Military Intelligence Company, 1 Signal Company, and a Brigade Support Battalion. The WayPoint announcement did not include any intermediary Brigade Engineer Battalion (BEB) that currently holds the MI and Signal Company, nor a Special Troops Battalion. This implies these two companies will be directly under the commander organizationally and potentially co-located with the Brigade HHC.

Meanwhile, the return of the divisional tank battalion is interesting. This is the intended niche of the Mobile Protected Firepower (MPF) vehicle, a light tank with moderate armor protection and a 105mm gun. This platform will likely not be employed like a main battle tank doctrinally due to its inferior protection and firepower (unable to reliably kill the most modern tanks). Rather, we are assuming it will be employed more like a Stryker MGS, providing infantry with direct fire support against structures, personnel and light vehicles and augmenting the brigades’/division’s security and reconnaissance units.

The Fires includes an Artillery Brigade with 3 Field Artillery Battalions equipped with towed howitzers. In the current IBCT, Field Artillery Battalions consist of 1 towed 155mm howitzer battery and 2 towed 105mm howitzer batteries. It is currently unclear whether this mix will be changed, or if they will be replaced. Although the Army is eyeing a truck-mounted self-propelled 155mm howitzer to align with Stryker units, it’s unclear whether this will replace the M777 in divisions with IBCTs. It is also unclear whether the 105mm light gun will get a replacement. The Army has been testing the Humvee-mouned self-propelled 105mm Hawkeye, but they've only been informal as of yet.


The Combat Support includes an Engineer Battalion and Protection Brigade. The Engineer Battalion has a total of 5 Combat Engineer Companies. The Protection Brigade which will be the same as previously stated.

The Sustainment includes a Division Sustainment Brigade, which will be the same as previously stated.


The Aviation includes an Aviation Brigade (Light) with an Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 2 Assault Helicopter Battalions, Attack/Reconnaissance Squadron, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Company as its flying units.



Airborne Division (JFE)​


The Airborne Division (Joint Forcible Entry) will be very similar to the Light Division, but with a focus on airborne operations. This entails airborne-qualified infantry that can be delivered behind enemy lines via parachute.

The 82nd Airborne Division will be on this organization. The 173rd Airborne Brigade in Europe will remain a fully independent brigade combat team with its supporting units.

Other than airborne qualification, the main difference from the Light Division is the inclusion of a divisional Cavalry Squadron (possibly because an airborne division dropped behind enemy lines has heightened security and reconnaissance requirements). This squadron will have 3 Cavalry Troops and a Surveillance Company. The Airborne Division also has a slightly different DSB, with the addition of the 151st Division Aerial Delivery Company and Division Personnel Pack Company to the DSSB.

Of note, the new Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) is able to be paradropped out of a C-130 or C-17. However, the light tanks within the divisional MPF Tank Battalion can only be airlanded as there is no paradrop requirement in the program.



Air Assault Division (JFE)​


The Air Assault Division (Joint Forcible Entry) is the heliborne counterpart to the Airborne Division. The 101st Airborne Division will be on this organization.

Other than the air assault qualification as opposed to airborne qualification, the Air Assault DIvision will also have an additional General Support Aviation Battalion in its Aviation Brigade (Medium) which includes cargo helicopters. This gives the Air Assault Division the largest Aviation Brigade of any of the division types (although still smaller than the 101st Airborne's 8-battalion Aviation Brigade circa 1989).

Of note, the new Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) is able to be sling-loaded by UH-60 and CH-47s helicopters, and internally loaded within the CH-47.
Click to expand...
 
KevinB said:
https://twitter.com/x/status/1641149332123418627
Click to expand...

That which was old is new again

The Territorial Force was a part-time volunteer component of the British Army, created in 1908 to augment British land forces without resorting to conscription. The new organisation consolidated the 19th-century Volunteer Force and yeomanry into a unified auxiliary, commanded by the War Office and administered by local County Territorial Associations. The Territorial Force was designed to reinforce the regular army in expeditionary operations abroad, but because of political opposition it was assigned to home defence. Members were liable for service anywhere in the UK and could not be compelled to serve overseas.
Click to expand...

The Volunteer Force was a citizen army of part-time rifle, artillery and engineer corps, created as a popular movement throughout the British Empire in 1859. Originally highly autonomous, the units of volunteers became increasingly integrated with the British Army after the Childers Reforms in 1881, before forming part of the Territorial Force in 1908. Most of the regiments of the present Army Reserves Infantry, Artillery, Engineers and Signals units are directly descended from Volunteer Force units.
Click to expand...

And most of Canada's Ares units are direct descendants of those Canadian Volunteer corps raised concurrently with those in Britain in response to yet another French invasion scare.
 
Halifax Tar said:
I asked a very senior person my CBG how a recent exercise went. He said it was great, awesome training value. I then asked what did the Svc Bn do ?

"Oh I dunno they went off and planned there own stuff."

This person is command level.

We have to get out of the mind frame that kill houses and live fire lanes are the end all be all of ARes exercises and relearn and reestablish our sustainment.
Click to expand...
I so much understand you. It's hard to make then understand that we can integrate then in our exercice. The support they give can be part of the exercice, not separate. It's a complete discussion between 2 deafs group. That pissed me off.

To do a proper sustainment from EXCON/CBG to the coy ask so many effort because it's not done enough that we are down to simulate everything up fro coy.
 
WLSC said:
I so much understand you. It's hard to make then understand that we can integrate then in our exercice. The support they give can be part of the exercice, not separate. It's a complete discussion between 2 deafs group. That pissed me off.
Click to expand...

It seems like you expect a full timer staffed CBG HQ to be able in design, plan and lead some simple combined training of some kind .... as part of their regular job.

How very dare you, Sir! ;)

Shocked Pop Tv GIF by Nightcap
 
Kirkhill said:
That which was old is new again





And most of Canada's Ares units are direct descendants of those Canadian Volunteer corps raised concurrently with those in Britain in response to yet another French invasion scare.
Click to expand...
Weeeeeell, not quite. We are going back from la milice de la Nouvelle-France. In 1760, they kept the system then the grat merge as a British Militia you are talking about. It always as been there.
 
daftandbarmy said:
It seems like you expect a full timer staffed CBG HQ to be able in design, plan and lead some simple combined training of some kind .... as part of their regular job.

How very dare you, Sir! ;)

Shocked Pop Tv GIF by Nightcap
Click to expand...
I know, hey! We kinda done it once. Every units LOVED it but some staff in their ivory tower burn our hope...
 
daftandbarmy said:
It seems like you expect a full timer staffed CBG HQ to be able in design, plan and lead some simple combined training of some kind .... as part of their regular job.

How very dare you, Sir! ;)

Shocked Pop Tv GIF by Nightcap
Click to expand...
Yup. You can start a weekend exercise on a Friday night with a supply point that the exercising battalion or company has to access for its next day's worth of ammunition food, water, POL, you name it. Do the same again Saturday night. During the daytime the CSS folks can replenish for the next night and carry on with other training.

I've actually seen that done a long long time ago; once. Usually, however, the logistics load for a weekend exercise is so small that no one wants to play that game and just take the easy way out and avoid it altogether.

🍻
 
WLSC said:
Weeeeeell, not quite. We are going back from la milice de la Nouvelle-France. In 1760, they kept the system then the grat merge as a British Militia you are talking about. It always as been there.
Click to expand...

Does the recruiting incentive still include a wife?
 
FJAG said:
Yup. You can start a weekend exercise on a Friday night with a supply point that the exercising battalion or company has to access for its next day's worth of ammunition food, water, POL, you name it. Do the same again Saturday night. During the daytime the CSS folks can replenish for the next night and carry on with other training.

I've actually seen that done a long long time ago; once. Usually, however, the logistics load for a weekend exercise is so small that no one wants to play that game and just take the easy way out and avoid it altogether.

🍻
Click to expand...
Too big of an effort for the the worth is the mind set.
 
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