Throughout military history, particularly American military history, a commitment to build and exploit technological advantages has remained constant. As in the past, today's military strategists remain fascinated with technology and the advantages it offers and continue to debate the precedence of technology over doctrine as the driver of military force evolution. The prevailing Transformation azimuth of senior U.S. defense strategists appears to be an extension of leveraging technology to be more precise in targeting, more lethal in effects, and less physically present in potential conflict areas. Standoff engagement is in, closing with the enemy is out; quick strike is in, deliberate action is out; shielding defensive capabilities is in, forward presence of large U.S. military forces, particularly ground forces, is out. The supported force of choice manages air and space platforms piloted from afar. Forces on the ground and at sea increasingly support one another. Key ground forces in conflict areas are "eyes-on" special operating and laser-designating detachments. Land-component forces chosen for lethal strikes are often highly tailorable Marine expeditionary units.
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