Regionally Aligned Forces: Good idea or Bad?

SGM Matthew Quick — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 20:46:59 -0500

Regionally Aligned Forces support Combatant Commands, which includes the six Geographic Combatant Commands as well as the three functional combatant commands, with predictable access to mission tailored, regionally trained, and culturally aware forces responsive to all requirements, including operational missions, bilateral and multilateral military exercises and theater security cooperation activities.

Who's being regionally aligned:
- 1st Calvary Division, aligned with U.S. Africa Command.
- 25th Infantry Division, aligned with U.S. Pacific Command
- 1st Armored Division, aligned with U.S. Central Command
- 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Calvary Division, aligned with U.S. European Command
- 48th BCT from the Georgia Army National Guard, aligned with U.S. Southern Command

Another 20,000 soldiers will be involved in 3,000 unspecified activities. U.S. Northern Command will also tap 1,100 soldiers for 180 activities in four countries. The 18th Airborne Corps will maintain its global response posture.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2013 8:57 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 20:57:38 -0500

I think it's a good idea but as with most good ideas it won't pan out.  We PCS troops too often for them to gain a real base of knowledge of the area.  Even if everything went well, by the time everything is up and running the next big thing will come along and mess this plan up.<div><br></div><div>But that doesn't mean we shouldn't give it a shot.</div>

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2013 8:59 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 20:59:25 -0500

Send me to Poland, I could be a tour guide for out troops there. ( I was born there in 79) Great country with really long history.

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Dec 10 at 2013 9:09 PM

CW2 Joseph Evans — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 21:09:32 -0500

Only problem I have with this is the way it lends to the concept of an Imperial America. Also, 5 active Divisions geographically aligned with 5 Divisions on standby. the 18th Imperial Airborne Corps willing to take point on any contingency. I think that the concept, while good for Career Military families and Professional Soldiers, ultimately is a poor stance for us to take as a nation. A reduction to 3 active Divisions under the 18th with contingency operations planned for each potential theater. 1st and 2nd MEF and the SF Groups leading the way, Corp stabilizing the area for withdrawal after precision operations, is more than adequate for any operations that don't involve an empire building process.