03265cam a2200481 i 4500 263906553 RAND 20200811100927.0 100106s2013 cau b 000 0 eng d 0833080393 (pbk. : alk. paper) 9780833080394 (pbk. : alk. paper) RAND/RR-222-A $19.95 paperback CstmoR CstmoR e-uk--- e-fr--- e-gx--- UA649 .S54 2013 Shurkin, Michael. author. Setting priorities in the age of austerity : British, French, and German experiences / Michael Shurkin. Santa Monica, CA : RAND, 2013. xvi, 45 pages ; 28 cm text txt rdacontent computer c rdamedia unmediated n rdamedia online resource cr rdacarrier volume nc rdacarrier "RAND Arroyo Center." "This research was ... conducted within RAND Arroyo Center's Force Development and Technology Program"--Preface. Includes bibliographical references (p. 41-45). This study examines the British, French, and German armies’ approaches to managing significant budget cuts while attempting to sustain their commitment to full spectrum operations. Specifically, it looks at the choices these armies are making with respect to how they spend dwindling resources: What force structure do they identify as optimal? How much readiness do they regard as necessary? Which capabilities are they abandoning? It was found that they are prioritizing capabilities and compromising readiness and sustainability while attempting to optimize their force structure and readiness system to reflect their perceived role in future conflicts, as informed by their assessment of risk and the lessons they have derived from the conflict in Afghanistan and the 2006 Lebanon War. Among other things, these militaries are moving toward a medium-weight force built around a new generation of medium-weight armored vehicles. The French army appears to be the last Western European force capable of conducting the full range of operations—including high-intensity conventional conflict—autonomously and for a sustained period of time. That may change soon, however, with the anticipated release of the 2013 Livre Blanc (White Book), which will define France's national security strategy and capabilities for the next five years. Also available on the internet via WWW in PDF format. Description based on print version record. France. Armée Appropriations and expenditures. France. Armée Operational readiness. France. Armée Organization. Germany. Heer Appropriations and expenditures. Germany. Heer Operational readiness. Germany. Heer Organization. Great Britain. Army Operational readiness. Great Britain. Army Organization. Arroyo Center. Force Development and Technology Program. Rand Corporation. United States. Army. Online Access http://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR222.html 599749 599749