Given the projected continuing need for a land force that can engage, project, and adapt, the choice should not be between counterinsurgency and conventional forces but rather should consider demographic, fiscal, and future threat projections to find a landpower paradigm that is indirect and where possible preventive. Accordingly, future landpower needs will largely be filled by special operations forces and Marine air-ground task forces that can prevent, deter, and contain threats and thus avoid deploying large forces, which must still exist but should be kept as a last resort. Versatile small forces optimally placed will demonstrate both strategic flexibility and American resolve, enabling mission accomplishment and allowing mission expansion even in the face of demographic and budget austerity