Army details planned force structure changes in FY-17

The Army today announced its plans to distribute added end strength authorized and funded in fiscal year 2017.

Consistent with decisions previously reported by Inside the Army, the service is increasing manning levels in existing formations, retaining units previously slated for deactivation, and adding some new force structure in critical areas.

Congressional authorizers and appropriators reversed the service's planned drawdown to a total force of 980,000 soldiers, enabling leadership to build a force of 1,018,000.

According to a Pentagon press release, the higher end strength enables the service to retain the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, AK, the 18th Military Police Brigade Headquarters in Europe, the 206th Military Intelligence Battalion, based at Ft. Hood, TX, the 61st Maintenance Company, and a combat aviation brigade in Korea.

The service announced an Afghanistan deployment for the 4/25 in April, confirming the unit would remain a full BCT rather than converting to an airborne task force. Brig. Gen. Brian Winski told ITA in April the end-strength increase enabled the service to accelerate the transition of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division from an infantry brigade combat team to an armored brigade combat team, as the unit would not be required for Afghanistan.

Winski said the MP brigade "was slated for deactivation" but could now be preserved. He characterized the brigade as "essential," in light of the Army's heel-to-toe rotational presence in Europe.

The Army will build limited new force structure, including two security force assistance brigades and a Military Advisor Training Academy at Ft. Benning, GA.

Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley addressed the SFABs and schoolhouse during a June 6 Senate Appropriations defense subcommittee hearing.

The service also will build an aviation training brigade within First Army at Ft. Hood.

According to the release, the Army will "station the following units overseas: a field artillery brigade headquarters with an organic brigade support battalion headquarters, a signal company and a Multiple Launch Rocket System battalion (MLRS); two MLRS battalions with two forward support companies; a short-range air defense battalion; a theater movement control element; a petroleum support company; and an ammunition platoon."

Finally, the service intends to augment Training and Doctrine Command personnel by 1,300 "to mitigate manpower shortfalls to increase training base and recruiting structure."