Joint Warfighting Concept 2034-2044

Abstract

This paper presents a forward‑looking concept of joint warfighting through 2034–2044 that addresses the evolving strategic environment in which the United States must operate. It argues that enduring advances in sensors, precision weapons, and integrated command‑and‑control have ushered in an era of defensive dominance, compelling the U.S. Joint Force to shift toward timely offensive operational maneuver—designed to secure the initiative and enable a tactical defensive advantage. The authors identify key changes across domains: maritime, air, ground, space, electromagnetic spectrum, cyber, and logistics. They emphasize that future wars with peer adversaries like the People’s Republic of China (PRC) will likely be protracted, not short, and will demand that the U.S. force be organized, trained, and equipped for long‑haul campaigns and sustained industrial base effort. The paper outlines six enabling factors for success: (1) fusing and distributing data faster than the adversary; (2) leveraging emerging space‑based capabilities; (3) rapid fielding of mass‑producible offensive and defensive munitions; (4) building persistent integration across the Joint Force and with allies/partners; (5) investing in resilient, rapidly recoverable logistics and cyber networks for forward‑deployed forces and the homeland; and (6) ensuring allies and partners are not left behind. The authors conclude that the U.S. must re‑orient from platforms to weapons, deepen alliances, and adapt its readiness and sustainment posture to prevail in high‑end competition extending into the middle of the century.

Document Type

Article

Topic(s)

Military Strategy, Logistics and Readiness, Future Strategic Concepts, Great Power Competition

Region(s)

Indo-Pacific, U.S.-China

Publication Date

12-2024

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