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THE UNITED STATES ARMY WAR COLLEGE
The United States Army War College educates and develops leaders for service at
the strategic level while advancing knowledge in the global application of Landpower. The
purpose of the United States Army War College is to produce graduates who are skilled
critical thinkers and complex problem solvers. Concurrently, it is our duty to the U.S. Army
to also act as a “think factory” for commanders and civilian leaders at the strategic level and
engage in discourse and debate concerning the role of ground forces in achieving national
security objectives.
Project 1721 was produced under the purview of the United States Army War College
to foster dialogue on topics with strategic ramifications. This study drew upon the expertise
of hand selected United States Army War College faculty and students from across the
services and six nations to provide a thought-provoking discourse of a topic of timely
relevance – the reemergence of Russian strategic landpower.
This research project was written to provide insightful and thought provoking
discourse on daunting security challenges facing the United States and NATO. Project
1721 would not be possible without the support and advice of numerous experts from
around the world. Special thanks to the former Minister of Defense of Lithuania, Rasa
Jukneviciene for her excellent advice on this project. Appreciation also goes to the following
members of the Lithuanian Land Forces for their support; Colonel Dalius Polekauskas, Chief
of Staff of the Lithuanian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Arturas Jasinskas, Major Eugenius
Lastauskas and Major Tomas Balkus.
This report is also indebted to Mr. Rolands Henins, Director of Latvian Defense Policy
and Lieutenant Colonel Raimonds Kursitis (Armed Forces of Latvia). Special thanks to
Estonian Lieutenant Colonel Vahur Karus for both his contribution and his work on the
additional chapter addressing national security questions raised in the United States. Thank
you also to Mr. Jonas Ohman for his exceptional insight on Ukraine. Appreciation to US
Army Europe G2 for their support, especially, Mr. Steven Boltz. COL Tarn Warren, the
Chair of the Department of Military Strategy, Planning and Operations (DMSPO) also
provided excellent analysis and support. LTC Mike Adelberg, of the US Army War College
Strategic Studies Institute, was a vital part of Project 1721, providing the final review of the
study. Additionally, Project 1721 would not be possible without the editorial and formatting
skills of Ms. Donna Ferry of the US Army War College.
Disclaimer: The ideas and viewpoints advanced in this publication are those of the authors
and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the institution, the Department
of Defense, or any other department or agency of the United States Government.
Cover Photo: 2d Cavalry Regiment in Torun Poland February 6, 2016. (U.S. Army photo
by Staff Sgt. Jennifer Bunn, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, Public Affairs)
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