Regionally Alligned Units

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 12:27:17 -0500

What does everyone think about the idea of units being regionally aligned? I personally think it's a great idea. While I understand the necessity of being prepared for full spectrum operations, being regionally with an area provides training and readiness that I don't believe can be matched in any other way. Training rotations to the AOR provides soldiers with boots on ground experience and allows for better cultural immersion to the area. It would also provide opportunities for units to work with partner forces in the region, building cohesion.

Response by SFC James Baber made Feb 19 at 2014 12:49 PM

SFC James Baber — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 12:49:44 -0500

I think the concept sounds good, but not sure the logistics or funding could be functionally obtained with ease or mutual agreement from all involved, would need some further details on how it would or should be followed through on or even implemented.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2014 1:32 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 13:32:16 -0500

When I first heard of this concept, I too thought it was a great idea. But the more I think about it, the more I feel like it would take a lot more time and effort to be able to implement this properly. It kind of leads to the debate about which is better - to be a specialist in one area, or well-rounded in a few areas. As an officer, if I came up in one region, would it be benificial for me to switch to another regional alignment as a CPT or MAJ? I would probably have to re-learn a heck of a lot of things! If there was a major conflict in one area of the world, would the other regionally aligned units still be able to fully suport it, or would TTPs/SOPs, etc all need to be dumped and re-learned during the conflict? But I think theses challenges could all be overcome if we have the right leaders and SMEs deeply invested in this concept. If there can be quantifiable, tangable benifits to operating in such a manner, I would be fully onboard. I know this has worked for Special Forces so far, but the "big Army" is a different beast. How much research has been done on the benifits of regonally alligned units in the Army?