US Army's new 'capstone concept' highlights adaptation, capacity building

The US Army has updated its Army Capstone Concept (ACC) and underscored the importance the concept placed on capacity building for partner militaries.

Service officials unveiled the document in late December 2012, and it is the first time the concept has been revamped since 2009. It revises the army's predictions for what the future operational environment might look like, what the service's role within the overall military force should be, and which broad capabilities and investments will be required by the future army.

"Greater speed, quantity, and reach of human interaction and increased access to military capabilities make the operational environment more unpredictable and complex, driving the likelihood and consequence of disorder," General Robert Cone, commander of US Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), wrote in a forward to the publication.

"The ACC provides a guide to how the Army will apply available resources to overcome these challenges and prevent, shape and win in support of recent strategic guidance," Gen Cone added.

Pentagon leaders in January 2012 released a new strategic concept calling for a leaner military force that would increase its focus on the Asia-Pacific region while using rotational deployments to maintain commitments with partner states across the globe.