Transforming Mechanized Reconnaissance: How the Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) Cavalry Squadron should be Structured for Reconnaissance and Security Operations in the Near Future

This research considers the future of Brigade Combat Team (BCT) Cavalry Squadrons during the upcoming interwar period. This is accomplished by specifically examining the Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) Cavalry Squadron through one primary research question: How should the ABCT Cavalry Squadron be further developed to conduct reconnaissance and security missions in the next 10 years? Developing a Cavalry Squadron that can effectively support the ABCT in the future is a complex problem. This research uses Army Design Methodology (ADM) to examine this complex issue. Design assists in framing the environment, the problem, and creating a problem solving approach. Solutions are then created through applying evaluation and validation criteria developed through ADM. Results suggest that the current Cavalry Squadron is capable of supporting a larger ABCT, however in terms of capability there are other options that provide the ABCT commander with a better reconnaissance and security formation. The research also suggests that ADM can be applied to other organizational issues. Ultimately this work presents an alternative problem solving approach to issues regarding force structure that breaks away from the traditional doctrine, organization, training, material, leadership, personnel, and facilities (DOTMLPF) paradigm.