The Future of Land Power

The evolving character of war, highlighted by the conflicts in Iran and Ukraine, rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific, renewed competition in Europe, and persistent instability in the Middle East, has intensified the debate over the future role of land forces. These developments call for an independent, strategic assessment of U.S. land power at this critical moment for the country’s defense policy.

CSIS has initiated a yearlong study at the start of 2026 to explore how land forces contribute to deterrence and stability across key regions and how U.S. land forces must adapt to remain effective in an era defined by great power rivalry, technological change, and persistent conflict. “The primary purpose of this study is to try to help the Congress and the American people to understand why we need competent and proficient land forces on an ongoing basis,” explained Dr. John Hamre, CEO emeritus of CSIS. Through integrating operational, institutional, and policy perspectives, holding public events throughout the year, and publishing two working papers and a final report, the effort will inform senior decisionmakers, military leaders, industry, and allies, and impact the public policy debate about the future of land power and the planning required to sustain it.

To support this project, CSIS has formed an advisory committee of distinguished leaders who served as Army officers and enlisted personnel as well as former government officials, respected analysts, and others with deep knowledge of U.S. land forces. “Land power and projecting it is what the United States can do better than any country in the world. That strategic deployment capability, not to be impeded by oceans, is absolutely essential,” noted General (ret.) Jack Keane, co-chairman of the Land Power Study Advisory Committee and former vice chief of staff of the U.S. Army. “That is why I believe this study is taking on increased importance, because of the strategic framework and threat that we are facing.”

To introduce the study and frame its implications for the missions, structure, and resourcing for U.S. land forces, General Keane and Dr. Hamre joined Dr. Jerry McGinn, study leader and director and senior fellow at CSIS, in the conversation below.

This project is made possible through the generous support of the Association of the United States Army.

We welcome your comments, questions, and suggestions for the project.