The current and coming funding reduction for the military is of a scope that calls for revisiting how to maintain the military establishment and even its purpose. Planners must choose from among readiness, modernization, and personnel, and since military efficacy is widely attributed first to the people, that may be the first place to look in avoiding a long-term choice between giving up capacity or largely turning away from jointness by renewing inter-Service competition, and making slashes that alienate contractors, retirees, allies, and serving personnel. The right emphasis is key as is recruiting and retaining the right people and grooming promising candidates for the highest positions in their respective Services or agencies, ensuring the best advice to civilian authorities.

The allegation that Osama bin Laden was not apprehended in timely fashion because of insufficient troops deployed to Tora Bora is belied by the experience of a dozen strategic manhunts involving deployment of U.S. forces dating back to 1885-86. In fact, the need for surprise often means smaller forces are the ideal. Moreover, the human terrain is a bigger factor than the physical terrain. The views of the native population shape three variables that largely determine the success of strategic manhunts: human intelligence, help from indigenous forces, and whether the object of the hunt can find sanctuary by crossing a border. These factors were against U.S. forces in December 2001. The key would have been stronger links with Pashtun resources.

The Air Force is expanding its air advising capacity, which is available to combatant commands through mobility support advisory squadrons and 6th Special Operations Squadron and leaves a small footprint and considerable goodwill in host countries. By assessing, training, advising, assisting, and equipping, Air Force personnel work through sometimes shaky beginnings to become trusted mentors, thus ensuring U.S. access and influence while helping host militaries assume greater responsibility. Enhanced partner capabilities will create opportunities for the joint force to collaborate, and through air advising it can be done cost-effectively. An Air Advisor Academy and visionary personnel on standing teams will assist partner militaries in gaining public legitimacy, regaining control of ungoverned spaces, and becoming reliable and willing allies