Center for a New American Security

Today’s Army is “the most combat-experienced force the nation has witnessed in two generations. Our all-volunteer force is being asked to do more than ever and is showing remarkable resiliency in a time when there is growing strain on the institution.” As the mili­tary continues to be engaged in an era of persistent confl ict, institutionalizing the combat experience of its leaders, spe­cifically its young offi cers, is arguably the Army’s lynchpin and a key component to U.S. national security.