assembling armed forces into readiness for a conflict definition

Structural readiness is concerned chiefly with how ready the military or service is to conduct its mission. Operational readiness is “the capability of a unit/formation, ship, weapon system, or equipment to perform the missions or functions for which it is organized or designed.” The broader lens is structural readiness, which is related to the size of the overall force and composition of the force. This article will examine the term, how the joint force applies readiness, and propose additional and alternate methods of readiness vis-à-vis recently published strategic guidance.Ĭurrent doctrine defines readiness as “the ability of military forces to fight and meet the demands of assigned missions.” Richard Betts describes readiness as “a measure of pre-D-Day status of the force” and “a force’s ability to fight with little or no warning.” There are further meanings to readiness, but most are not germane to the discussion. Paramount to readiness is the choice between operational and structural readiness. Betts, in his book Military Readiness aids that understanding by expanding the framing of readiness as a series of choices and consequences for policy makers, similar to how military commanders frame decisions and risk. It is imperative that military professionals understand the term readiness. Every Chief of Staff includes readiness as a key theme in their annual posture statements delivered to Congress.

A focus and prioritization of readiness is not new for the joint force. In 2017, then Secretary of Defense James Mattis used the concept of readiness to justify requests for increases in funding to the Department of Defense.

The current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff lists “restoring joint readiness” as one of his key focus areas. The 2018 National Defense Strategy identifies rebuilding military readiness as the first of its priorities. military, readiness stands as a top priority.

Assembling armed forces into readiness for a conflict definition