An assessment of the impact on the Army's Force XXI process in digitizing aviation brigade units

Abstract

This thesis examines the issues encountered by the United States Army Aviation during the implementation period of the Army's Force XXI process. The research focuses on the digitization impact on the brigade and its subordinate units as Aviation prepares to proceed into the 21st Century. The dynamics and complexity of digitization require utilization of the Army's warfighting requirements framework. This framework consists of the following domains: doctrine, training, leader development, organization, materiel, and soldier (DTLOMS). These domains or DTLOMS provide the mechanism to record the implications of Force XXI and identify lessons learned in the process. Force XXI is the concept that the Army will use to manage and exploit anticipated revolutionary changes in technology. This information-based concept will transform the entire Army's requirements determination process, materiel acquisition approach, and garrison and wartime operations. The case analysis identifies significant warfighting requirements issues in the DTLOMS framework impacting Aviation. Conclusions drawn from the analysis revealed that the Force XXI effort to digitize Aviation brigade units is progressing on the right path to the next century accompanied with training, integration, and acquisition challenges. Implementing the recommendations to combat these challenges should harness the digitization effort and manage the risks associated with the paradigm shift, so Aviation can effectively prepare its forces for the future.