The Army released its new modernization strategy this week.  Army Chief of Staff Gen. George Casey stated in a news release that in order meet its goal of developing and fielding the best available equipment for its forces, the Army must “continue to transform into a force that is versatile, expeditionary, agile, lethal, sustainable, and interoperable.”  The new Army Modernization Strategy (AMS) supports that goal.  It addresses changes need to adapt to the Army Force Generation (ARFORGEN) Model and is shaped by OSD guidance on the Future Combat Systems (FCS) program.  It also supports the direction of the 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) to rebalance U.S. force capabilities and reform acquisition and financial management.  The AMS is the Army’s blueprint to achieve its modernization goals.  It establishes overarching goals and objectives and identifies three focus areas:  1) develop and field new capabilities, such as implementing the Brigade Combat Team (BCT) Modernization Program; 2) procure upgraded capabilities, recapitalize, and divest unneeded equipment; and 3) meet force needs through Army priorities and the ARFORGEN Model.  The strategy recognizes that affordability is a primary consideration in making modernization decisions.  In a cover letter to the strategy report, Army Deputy Chief of Staff (G-8) Lt. Gen. Robert Lennox advised that the Army must make the best use of limited resources and pay special attention to program costs, benefits and potential trade-offs.  However, Lennox cautioned that the success of the strategy depends on a “steady stream of predictable funding and requires the support of the entire Army."