More Tooth, Less Skull

This monograph analyzes the current challenges facing the U.S. Army and the potential for force structure changes to meet future threats. Allowing for widened spans of control through the addition of a line company to the maneuver battalions of the brigade teams creates force structure that can meet the operational requirements of an uncertain future. This monograph and supporting research will discuss span of control theory, modularity, OIF, OEF, and some historic force structure discussions to show the potential for this recommended change in force structure. Further examples will show that leadership, training, and technology support more maneuver formations. Widened spans of control and self-adaptive units allow for it. Uncertainty in future engagements demands it. Finally, organic units training together prior to deployment work more effectively upon deployment removing the necessity to task organize ad hoc forces across numerous formations.