It is these words – a simple, clear statement of what an Objective Force will be able to do, rather than what it will be – that seem to best capture the Army’s vision for the future.

It is a vision that embraces harnessing the power of technology to empower soldiers and dominate the battlefield. Four steps that seek to give what is already the world’s preeminent land force, even greater capabilities to overwhelm and overcome any adversary. Anywhere and anytime.

They call it combat overmatch -- the concept of having such an undeniable military advantage that your opposition chooses ‘not to engage.’ To have such a clear ability to dominate and destroy the enemy that they prefer not to take you on.

The Objective Force would have the ability to see the enemy before the enemy sees them. To have a situational awareness that allows the soldier to understand his position, the enemy’s position, and everything in between.

The Objective Force would use this knowledge to act before the enemy could even begin to respond. And the Objective Force would use these capabilities to decisively finish the job.

This force would be more mobile, more agile, and more lethal than the existing (or ‘legacy’) force. A tough job, considering the U.S. Army is already the greatest ground force in the world.

“The nature of war hasn’t changed,” said Lieutenant General John Riggs, Jr., director of the U.S. Army’s Objective Force. “But the conduct of war has changed greatly . . . and will continue to change.

“Potential adversaries are studying the U.S. closely, learning from our operations and adapting selected advanced capabilities and innovative strategies to overcome our military dominance – particularly with respect to ground forces,” Riggs said. “Weapons of mass effects and destruction, as well as cyber attacks, will be a part of the threat framework.

“Our Objective Force must be prepared and equipped to deal with these realities,” he added. “In this atmosphere of constant change, no military force desiring to remain effective and relevant can remain stagnant.

“The Objective Force concept couples a deep appreciation for the enduring nature of warfare with a realization that bold innovation and technological advances offer the promise of revolutionary change in the conduct of warfare.”

The Army’s desire to harness emerging technologies and to bring the power of the information revolution to the soldier on the battlefield has led to the creation of a unique partnership between government and industry.

Future Combat Systems, one of the first – and most significant – steps the Army has taken to date towards achieving its vision of an Objective Force, uses an industry Lead Systems Integrator (LSI) team comprised of Boeing and Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) to search out the very best technologies, the most innovative solutions and the best domain experts for the team.

“Our role, quite simply, is to be the honest broker for the Army,” said Roger Krone, senior vice president of Army Systems for Boeing Integrated Defense Systems. “As the LSI for Future Combat Systems, Boeing and SAIC are bringing the very best of industry to this critical program.

“It is very clear to us that the only way you can meet the challenges and demands of this program, which include significant cultural as well as technological changes for the Army, is to have a team that is truly dedicated to working towards that common goal. Without everyone on the team pulling in the same direction, you can’t get there from here.”

Boeing’s experience as a large-scale, system of systems integrator will play a prime role in meeting the challenges of the FCS program.

“If you look at the International Space Station and the national missile defense program you can see that it is possible to do this,” Riggs said. “Change is tough, but it can be done.”