This Special Report conducts a historical survey, beginning with George Washington's Continental Army and progressing gradually into a discussion of concerns that the Army is currently facing in the 21st century. After every significant military engagement, funding and resources for sustainment of a ready and reliable force have been severely restricted. This has caused a centuries-old pattern of a hollow force and a lack of ability on the Army's part to meet new challenges swiftly, adequately and economically-both in terms of financial concerns and in Soldiers' lives. The best course of action, Kroesen argues, would be to learn from past mistakes and to move forward with a renewed and firmly established commitment to ensure the sustained capability of the Army in all future encounters.

"Adapted from Frederick J. Kroesen, 'Remembering a Sine Wave,' ARMY, August 2013, p. 15"--T.p.

Introduction -- The early years -- The 20th century -- Portents for the 21st century.