This monograph is a "think piece" about rapidly deployable future ground forces that would be used in time-urgent joint-task-force missions. The authors sketch out what is needed operationally, describe forces responsive to those needs, and discuss the feasibility of achieving such forces-first with near-term systems but new operational concepts, and then, for the longer term, by drawing upon advanced technology.

"Prepared for the Office of the Secretary of Defense, United States Army"--T.p.

Introduction. Background -- Overview of important factors -- What is feasible for improved strategic mobility -- The need for a related operational concept / Operational concept. Joint operational concept -- The early-entry ground-force concept -- Situation understanding, information dominance, and C2 -- Challenges of coordination in joint operations -- Recapitulation / Enabling technologies. Advanced vehicles -- Armament -- Stealthy long-range fires / Analysis. Introduction -- Timeline "requirements" -- What can be done with long-range fires, or a combination of those and maneuver forces? -- Interaction with allies -- Potential value of a new rapidly deployable light force -- Needs for experiments and other research -- Major uncertainties / Conclusions / Appendix A: background data on systems and force components -- Appendix B: background data on unit life requirements.