Regionally Aligned Brigade Combat Teams

In 2012, when discussing the regionally aligned forces mission, CSA GEN Ray Odierno stated
“We will have units that will train to certain [combined arms] levels, then as they get requirements from combatant commanders they will train and be capable of conducting operations in those areas for that combatant commander.”   Describe the benefits and shortcomings of regionally aligned forces and the training scenario outlined above.   Should BCTs be regionally aligned?

Mandatory defense spending reductions and the need to maintain a material force ready to respond to crises worldwide” has moved the Army in the direction of regionally aligned forces. Brigade Combat Teams are the most suitable technique of providing combatant commanders with adaptable, responsive, and continually available Army forces.   This initiative will also build strong relationships with foreign partners which will increase the security of the international environment.
Regionally Aligning Brigades is a suitable method of addressing the challenges presented by an uncertain international environment through the development of the forces needed to respond to uncertain and complex contingencies within the future operating environment while providing support to Geographic Combatant Command (GCC) during shaping operations. By directing the focus at the brigade level, it will become easier to identify training needs suitable for the sustenance of language; as well as cultural awareness.   Proper resourcing and training will effectively become fundamental features of aligned units thereby improving military operations, planning, as well as cooperation with the host nations.   Cultural capability enables Soldiers and leaders to understand the ‘how and why’ of foreign cultures and the roles that culture, religion, and geography play in military operations; which enhances cross-cultural communication needed to facilitate mission success.   Such specialization improves operational effectiveness by...