Operationally Forward…

As new technologies emerge rapidly, we are likely embarking upon a ‘golden era’ for operational concepts, which will revolutionize future warfighting. Forward Defense explores how the United States and its allies can leverage emerging defense technologies, as well as traditional capabilities, in new ways to fight the wars of the future.

Novel operational concepts

Operational concepts, capabilities & posture

Report Jun 18, 2020

An affordable defense of Asia

By T.X. Hammes

US military advantages over China are steadily eroding. Therefore, in this inaugural report for Forward Defense, T.X. Hammes crafts a new strategy and corresponding operational concepts which leverage geography and emerging technology to improve the US and allied warfighting posture in Asia.
China Conflict
Operational concepts, capabilities & posture

Issue Brief Jun 27, 2019

The Melians’ revenge

By Dr. T.X. Hammes

How can small, frontline, European states defend against Russia? Emerging, high-tech, and low cost systems can provide the answer.

Drones NATO

Force posture

Operational concepts, capabilities & posture

New Atlanticist Jul 29, 2020

Experts react: US announces plans for troop withdrawal from Germany

By David A. Wemer

“There may be a strategic case for the withdrawal of almost 12,000 US troops from Germany, but Secretary of Defense Esper’s announcement today does not make it,” Daniel Fried says.
Defense Policy Germany
Operational concepts, capabilities & posture

In the News Apr 22, 2020

Starling writes article on European military mobility in Defense One

By Atlantic Council

Deputy Director of Forward Defense Clementine Starling reviews the successes of and challenges to European military mobility in the wake of COVID-19, and advances four solutions.
Coronavirus Defense Policy

Related Scowcroft Center content

Operational concepts, capabilities & posture

Report Apr 22, 2020

Moving out: A comprehensive assessment of European military mobility

By Task Force Co-Chairs: General Curtis M. Scaparrotti, USA (Ret.) and Ambassador Colleen B. Bell

Military mobility is the logical and critical next step to enhancing the twenty-first-century conventional deterrence posture throughout Europe, an essential part of the formula for keeping the peace.
Europe & Eurasia European Union
Operational concepts, capabilities & posture

Report Feb 7, 2019

Permanent deterrence: Enhancements to the US military presence in North Central Europe

By Ambassador Alexander R. Vershbow (Ret.) and General Philip M. Breedlove, USAF (Ret.)

To provide an independent perspective, the Atlantic Council established a task force to assess the broader political and military implications of an enhanced US posture in North Central Europe. The report’s recommendations, guided by several key principles, are a result of the task force members’ agreement that enhancements to the US presence in the region could, and should, be undertaken to bolster deterrence and reinforce Alliance cohesion.

Defense Policy Europe & Eurasia

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Experts

Fellow

Tate Nurkin

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Indo-Pacific Security Initiative

China Defense Industry

Former staff

Christopher Skaluba

Former Director

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Transatlantic Security Initiative

NATO Security & Defense

Staff

Clementine G. Starling

Director, Forward Defense

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Security & Defense NATO

Fellow

John T. Watts

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Conflict Crisis Management
Forward Defense

Forward Defense, housed within the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security, generates ideas and connects stakeholders in the defense ecosystem to promote an enduring military advantage for the United States, its allies, and partners. Our work identifies the defense strategies, capabilities, and resources the United States needs to deter and, if necessary, prevail in future conflict.

Learn more