Environmental Analysis: Usareur Band

Environmental Analysis Paper

MBA580

University of Phoenix

Environmental Analysis Paper

Summary

The USAREUR Band, like the rest of the Army, is in a state of change. This change is necessary to move the military from the traditional combat unit structure, to one that is modular, quick, efficient, and flexible. Trends that may affect the transformation of the band and the Army in general include funding from Congress, public sentiment both in the U.S. and abroad, and the shape of the world as acts of terrorism continue to plague societies. Future funding of the military may be in jeopardy due to the massive debt load the country has to bear. As we continue in this protracted conflict, the economy weakens. This issue overshadows military operations and promises to be more troublesome as the war continues. To find a viable strategy to move the organization ahead, it is critical to look at internal and external environments. The USAREUR Band needs to continue to create value for the military by reaching out to global audiences. The youth are an untapped market that could help lead the band into the future. Progressive outreach programs and current music will play a large role in the shaping of the bands mission in the future. This paper will look at the bands’ internal and external environments to find relevant strategic options for the future.

Relevant Forces and Trends

Trend 1: Deficit Spending. The military relies upon the taxpayers within the United States to fund all operations. Within the annual Congressional Budget, the defense spending plan appropriates funds from taxpayer dollars to support continuing military operations throughout the world. While the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) sets baseline targets for defense spending, these figures have recently been grossly inflated over the course of past fiscal years due to continued operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In 2009, the President’s policies would raise discretionary spending for national defense by $50 billion above the amount in CBO’s baseline. That increase stems primarily from additional appropriations—mostly for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and for other activities related to the war on terrorism—that the President is requesting for later this year, much of which would be spent in 2009 and beyond (Congressional Budget Office, 2008).

Additional spending on the part of the government will put increased stress on the U.S. economy, which is, many claim, already well into recession. The trend of deficit spending may not directly affect the military budget at present, but as the economy weakens, the likelihood of future budgetary difficulties may increase.

Since fiscal policy is directed from Congress and the President, the military is at their mercy regarding money. Individual units petition for funding which covers everything from body-armor to bullets to brass instruments in the band. The USAREUR Band has very little control over the funding it receives from the government. Like many other units, the band receives funding based on past spending habits. In order to ensure we have funding in the future, we are encouraged to spend every cent we are offered. This is the only control the unit has over its future spending capability and so its strategic adaptability in this regard is limited. In order to gain more control over the situation, the USAREUR Band must continue to reach out to audiences and make lasting impressions. But this is only the beginning. To be truly effective, the band will need to reach the public that foots the bill, the U.S. taxpayers. Social forces, like public opinion over the war, also affect military operations and will be discussed next.

Trend 2: Anti-war Sentiment. Many of the USAREUR Band’s operating policies are shaped by both domestic and international sentiment. Foreign anti-war sentiment can create difficult operational circumstances for units based in Europe and elsewhere abroad. An example would be an anti-war rally to be held in Frankfurt. This type of public display makes certain restrictions necessary for the welfare of soldiers and their family members here in Germany. The issue may have some foundation in the fact that political powers in the United States have used religious rhetoric while discussing the war on terror.

From the moment U.S. President George W. Bush launched what he called �a crusade’ against �evil-doers,’ there has been a growing sense, not just in the Muslim world but among even our closest allies, that U.S. foreign policy is being filtered through an unprecedented union of religious and political ideology