CSIS: Land Power Still Relevant Amid Rapid Transformation
Soldiers with drone
Fri, 07/24/2026 - 08:49
Land power remains a vital capability as the U.S. military adapts to keep pace with evolving technology and adversaries that are preparing for all-domain warfare, according to a new report published by the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
“Land power must retain a functionally oriented force structure that can operate in multiple domains and regions, equipped with capabilities that can complement and strengthen the joint force,” according to the report, which was made with support from the Association of the U.S. Army. “Land power must be adapted to this new environment and not be left to fall back on conventional applications.”
“The Value of U.S. Land Power” examines the future of U.S. land forces as the global security environment continues to evolve. It is part of a yearlong study by CSIS to explore how land forces contribute to deterrence and stability across key regions and how U.S. land forces must adapt to remain effective in an era defined by great-power rivalry, technological change and persistent conflict.
The Army, which defines land power as “the ability—by threat, force, or occupation—to gain, sustain, and exploit control over land, resources and people,” has made several changes to adapt to the evolving expectations of warfare, the CSIS paper says. These changes include refining network synchronization and command and control to distill decision making, initiating unit-based transformation efforts in 2024 and introducing the Army Transformation Initiative, which emphasizes more mobile, lighter formations, in 2025.
https://www.ausa.org/news/csis-land-power-still-relevant-amid-rapid-transformation
