CSA Editorial: Prevent, Shape, Win

[Richard]

From the horse's mouth...GEN Odierno...

CSA Editorial: Prevent, Shape, Win
ArmyMil, 16 Dec 2011

There is much discussion in the halls of the Pentagon these days about the role of the Army, and I'd like to share with you my thoughts on the issue.

Without question, 10 years of war and today's austere economic environment will have a profound impact on our Army. But to put it simply: in these uncertain times -- perhaps especially in these uncertain times -- the Army is central to our nation's defense.

Specifically, the Army has three roles to play.

First, our Army must prevent conflict. Prevention requires a credible force with sufficient capacity, readiness and modernization. Our ability and will to win any fight cannot be open to challenge. As part of a joint force, we must be clear that we can fight and win across the full spectrum of conflict. That means realistic training, expert leaders, modern equipment, and quality Soldiers.

Prevention is achieved by convincing your potential opponents that armed conflict with your force would be extremely unwise. Our land forces must continue to be a credible force around the globe.

Second, our Army must help shape the international environment so our friends are enabled and our enemies contained. We do that by engaging with our partners, fostering mutual understanding through military-to-military contacts, and helping partners build the capacity to defend themselves. This is an investment in the future, and an investment we cannot afford to forego. It is cultivating friends before you need them, being a reliable, consistent, and respectful partner.

Finally, we must be ready to win decisively and dominantly. If we do not, we pay the price in American lives. When MacArthur said, "In war there is no substitute for victory," he was making a plain statement of fact. Nothing else can approach what is achieved by winning, and the consequences of losing at war are usually catastrophic. With so much at stake, the American people will expect what they have always expected of us: to never lightly enter into such a terrible endeavor, but once there to win and win decisively.

This "prevent, shape, win" construct captures the Army's unique role as part of the joint force, and rests upon the capabilities, depth, and vast experience resident within our Army. When combined with the capabilities of the Navy, the Air Force, and the Marines, the United States remains -- and will remain -- a force to be reckoned with. As we, the Army, continue to adapt to future strategic challenges, including resource constraints, we must ensure sufficient attention to each role.

http://www.army.mil/article/71030/CS...t__shape__win/

And a new catch phrase is born for the troops to memorize for guard mount, soldier boards, etc - y'all better get on it.

And so it goes...

Purple

[SF18C]

While I agree with Prevent and Win, I am not sure I could find SHAPE in the Constitution! Me thinks that should be the job of DOS.

Maybe I have been listening to too much Ron Paul!

[Badger52]

Sounds like the words of someone at a future SecDef confirmation hearing...

[Buffalobob]

When things get tough then you change the packaging and add the words NEW IMPROVED, BRIGHTER THAN WHITE ( slogan when they added ultraviolet to detergents) MORE TASTE LESS FILLING (used when you knew it tasted bad).

[cat in the hat]

Originally Posted by SF18C

While I agree with Prevent and Win, I am not sure I could find SHAPE in the Constitution! Me thinks that should be the job of DOS.

Maybe I have been listening to too much Ron Paul!

the Shaping he refers to through Mil to MIL could be looked at in a positive light.

big Army thinks MIL to MIL we say FID.

think of Uganda right now. is it better to have a 100 Quiet Professionals training and mentoring Ugandan SF to go after the LRA or should we send in a few US Infantry BNs to do the job ourselves?

CA teams are working in many locations worldwide to help reduce the conditions that foster extremism.(the sunscreen principle) creating small local jobs and using local resources to improve the quality of life and enhance education can help reduce the numbers available to terrorist organizations.

no it is not in the Constitution but ultimately is can help to reduce the threat to the US.