In a time of rapid change for the U.S. Army, it is essential to retain
awareness of how potential adversaries are also developing their
concepts of Landpower. This Letort Paper, written by an influential
Russian general, lays out an authoritative view on the importance of
substantial conventional land forces, as seen from Moscow. The year 2014
was an eventful one for the Russian military, opening with the seizure
of Crimea, continuing through ongoing operations in and near Ukraine,
and culminating with the issue of a new Military Doctrine reflecting
what Russia describes as new security realities in Europe. All of these
circumstances have drawn attention back to the challenge to U.S.
interests posed by the Russian military. The issue of this Paper is
therefore especially timely. The author, Major General Aleksandr
Rogovoy, is a professor at the Russian General Staff Academy with a
substantial record of academic and operational experience, and a direct
contributor to the drafting of Russia's 2014 Military...