| ID | 133782 |
| Title Proper | Sizing U.S. ground forces |
| Other Title Information | from "2 wars" to "1 war + 2 missions" |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | O'Hanlon, Michael |
| Publication | 2014. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | During the Cold War, the United States varied between a "1 ½ war" and a "2 ½ war" framework for sizing its main combat forces. This framework prepared forces for one or two large wars, and then a smaller "half-war." Capacity for a major conflict in Europe, against the Soviet Union and its Warsaw Pact allies, represented the enduring big war potential. This period saw simultaneous conflict against China as a second possible big war, until Nixon's Guam doctrine placed a greater burden on regional allies rather than U.S. forces to address such a specter, and until his subsequent opening to the PRC made such a war seem less likely in any event. The half-wars were seen as relatively more modest but still quite significant operations such as in Korea or Vietnam. |
| `In' analytical Note | Washington Quarterly Vol.37, No.1; Spr.2014: p.151-164 |
| Journal Source | Washington Quarterly Vol.37, No.1; Spr.2014: p.151-164 |
| Key Words | US Army ; Cold War ; United States - US ; Warfare History ; Warsaw Pact ; Combat Forces ; Soviet Union ; Europe ; United States ; Regional Allies ; Warfare Conflict ; Hegemonic Warfare ; Vietnam War ; Korea War ; MTWs ; MTRs ; Warfare Operations ; Desert Storm - 1991 ; Warsaw Pact Allies |