Assessing the Global Operating Environment
Key Topics
About the Index
Resources
Assessing the Global Operating Environment
Europe, Middle East, Asia
DownloadMeasuring the “strength” of a military force—the extent to which that force can accomplish missions—requires examination of the environments in which the force operates.
You Might Also Like
Key Topics
Assessing Threats to U.S. Vital Interests
China, Russia, Iran, N. Korea, Afghanistan/Pakistan, Non-State Actors
An Assessment of U.S. Military Power
Army, Navy, USAF, USMC, Space Force, Nuclear Weapons, Missile Defense
Topical Essays
Experimentation, Defense Industry, Mobility, Intelligence, Alliances
Appendix
Learn MoreThis Index measures the capability of the U.S. military based on the current state of its combat equipment. Four factors are key to this assessment. This appendix presents each of the services’ principal combat platforms and corresponding modernization programs, scoring them in each of the four factors.
Graphics
View GraphicsView the graphics used throughout the 2021 Index.
Download the 2021 Index
View the PDFsIn addition to the website, The 2021 Index of U.S. Military Strength is also available in a print friendly PDF format.
Previous Indexes
View the PDFsView and download previous Indexes of U.S. Military Strength.
Previous Topical Essays
View the Topical Essay MicrositeView and download the topical essays from previous years.
Subscribe
Click Here to SubscribeSubscribe to The Heritage Foundation's Defense Email List.
Buy the Book
Click Here to PurchaseThe 2021 Index of U.S. Military Strength is available for purchase on Shop Heritage.
