Steve Beynon
The Army is heading for a major reorganization that includes eliminating at least 2,000 positions -- a combination of civilian and troop roles -- and cuts to planned purchases in various drone and vehicle programs that are considered outdated, according to internal documents reviewed by Military.com.
Senior Army officials outlined the plan to top officials across the force earlier this month, the documents show. The undertaking amounts to one of the Army's most significant structural transformations in decades.
The service's aim is to streamline the force while investing in emerging technologies that Army officials say are critical to preparing for modern conflicts, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
"Every role must sharpen the spear or be cut away," Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and Gen. Randy George, the service's top officer, said in a joint memo to the force earlier this month.
The plan calls for eliminating 1,000 Army staff roles in the Pentagon and nixing various air cavalry squadrons -- specific units were not listed -- along with combining and deactivating other units that will result in reducing personnel.
For example, U.S. Army Japan Headquarters will combine with the 4th Multidomain Task Force, with the total size of that element being cut by 170 positions.
As for hardware, the Army plans to end purchases of the Gray Eagle drone and reduce purchases of the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle by $498 million, in addition to other cuts, according to the documents.
All commands will be directed to reduce temporary duty funding by 20%, and the service will slash funding for collective training barracks by $346 million. Those barracks are typically living quarters for major training exercises, basic training and various schools.
However, it was still unclear what the changes could mean for the total size of the Army. The plan outlines reductions to "responsibly balance end strength" in pursuit of a "leaner, more lethal Army."
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