The US Army is shifting its focus to support maritime warfare in the Indo-Pacific, where China's rising military power poses a significant challenge. The Army's emerging capabilities, such as long-range missiles and electronic warfare systems, are being integrated into joint operations to counter adversary aggression.
Historically, land-based fires have played a crucial role in supporting naval operations, and the Army is building on this legacy with new technologies and approaches. The Army's expeditionary sustainment capabilities and command-and-control assets are also vital to enabling joint success in maritime terrain.
The Army must overcome institutional inertia and adapt to its expanding maritime responsibilities, requiring targeted reforms in education, training, and equipment. This evolution is critical to supporting the 2026 US National Defense Strategy and deterring Chinese aggression in the region.
