Cross-Domain Synergy: Warfare in the 21st Century

Today's strategic environment is dynamic and rapidly changing. Warfighting domains, including air, land, and sea, where the United States has dominated for almost one half-century, are increasingly being tested by traditional states, as well as non-state actors. Globalization has facilitated the ability of less capable nations to garner critical warfighting technology. The parity in technology between nations at war is no longer as great. This leveled the playing field and allowed for...
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Today's strategic environment is dynamic and rapidly changing. Warfighting domains, including air, land, and sea, where the United States has dominated for almost one half-century, are increasingly being tested by traditional states, as well as non-state actors. Globalization has facilitated the ability of less capable nations to garner critical warfighting technology. The parity in technology between nations at war is no longer as great. This leveled the playing field and allowed for non-state actors to have dramatic influence on powerful nations, which has not been the case in the past. Fiscal limitations, unsustainable operations tempos, inadequate training, and current operational planning paradigms and processes have put the United States Military in a perilous situation and hindered its ability to conduct effective and efficient defense. The greatest calamity that could arise from these realities is the inability to address XDS in full-spectrum combat operations against a near-peer adversary.