The all-volunteer U.S. military force was born thirty-five years ago this week. By almost all accounts, it has been an overwhelming success. Today, however, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan pose unprecedented challenges to our forces. These conflicts have highlighted the structural changes that will be necessary to retain land force superiority, which is essential for maintaining security and effectively responding to future threats. Several AEI scholars, including most prominently Thomas Donnelly and Frederick W. Kagan, have been reviewing the stresses and strains. Their most recent collaboration, Ground Truth: The Future of U.S. Land Power, discusses the difficulties our forces face. The authors ask and answer five urgent questions about our land forces, including the nature of land warfare in the twenty-first century and the ideal configuration of these forces. As we celebrate Independence Day later this week, it is important for all of us to remember the role this successful institution has played and must play in securing our future. Happy Fourth. Related articles appear below.

“Ground Truth: The Future of U.S. Land Power,” by Frederick W. Kagan and Thomas Donnelly

“We Still Need a Larger Army,” by Frederick W. Kagan and Thomas Donnelly

“The Proud, the Few,” by Frederick W. Kagan and Thomas Donnelly

“Defense Issues for the Next Administration,” by Thomas Donnelly and Tim Sullivan