The United States military has entered the active phase of its Transformation to meet the challenges of the 21st century. It is becoming a highly mobile expeditionary force. American soldiers are deployed in over 100 countries around the world on any given day. Current basing structures, both within the United States and around the world, are shifting to reflect new missions and new capabilities. Powerful high-tech weapons and equipment slated to enter service by the end of this decade will exponentially increase the Pentagon's combat capabilities, cementing American military superiority. Simultaneously, the US will soon have the only functional comprehensive strategic missile defense system in the world.

These positive developments also raise critical questions: Will US allies be able to operate with the Pentagon's new high-tech force? Can even the most sophisticated force sustain the current level of operations tempo? Will the expected reorganization of the US armed forces lead to divisive conflicts between the various armed services and major commands? Will Washington's national security policy be adequate to meet the many new and old threats facing the United States and its allies in coming decades?

These issues effect everyone, not just the military.

Pentagon Brief keeps readers up to date on vital developments within the US Armed Forces -- from strategic policy to new technology, from personnel issues to basing decisions.

Formerly a monthly newsletter available exclusively to subscribers, Pentagon Brief is now updated often -- to reflect the rapid events in today's world -- and is available free as a blog.

Pentagon Brief is an independent publication, not affiliated with the US Department of Defense or any other official agency.

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