Restoring the Primacy of Army Mobilization Planning: Lessons from the Interwar Period (1919–41)

This article argues that the US Army must restore the primacy of mobilization planning to prepare for the growing likelihood of a protracted large-scale war involving the United States. While the Army’s transformation initiatives have emphasized important tactical matters, this piece calls attention to critical strategic vulnerabilities associated with mobilization—one of the Army’s enduring core functions. The article identifies insights, challenges, and recommendations for contemporary leaders and practitioners by analyzing the body of thought on mobilization planning during the interwar period (1919–41) and drawing connections to the present day.