The U.S. Army is actively gearing up for a potential protracted conflict with China, a development that could significantly test the resilience of American military resources and industrial capabilities. This crucial information was shared by Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll during an exclusive interview with Business Insider. He expressed deep concerns about whether American industry is adequately prepared for such a lengthy confrontation, particularly as the Pentagon shifts its strategic focus towards the Indo-Pacific region.

In the past week, Driscoll highlighted the Army's immediate priorities, emphasizing the need to reinforce the defense industrial base and enhance the depth of munitions stocks. He pointed out that maintaining a robust and responsive industrial capacity is essential for the United States, especially when faced with a formidable adversary like China. Despite the increased attention on shipbuilding, Driscoll noted that other critical sectors necessary for U.S. military operations have fallen behind and require urgent revitalization.

Driscoll, a seasoned armor officer, stressed the importance of the U.S. ability to manufacture military supplies on a large scale over an extended period. He stated, If we go to war with a near-peer or a peer like China, our ability to manufacture at scale over time is what will help us win wars. His remarks underscore a growing acknowledgment among military officials that the U.S. defense industrial base is at risk of being outpaced, particularly given China's advanced manufacturing capabilities.

Concerns regarding the U.S. ability to maintain an adequate supply of weapons and equipment during a long conflict have been voiced by various military experts and officials in recent years. They warn that the current pace of production may not suffice to keep up with the demands of a drawn-out military engagement. This worry was amplified by a 2023 study from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), which simulated scenarios of conflict in the Indo-Pacific, including a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan. The study concluded that U.S. munitions expenditure could surpass existing stockpiles and manufacturing rates.

CSIS researcher Seth Jones highlighted that the U.S. might face shortages in some critical munitions if conflict were to arise. This sentiment was echoed by Congressman John Moolenaar, the Chairman of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, who discussed findings from a wargaming exercise indicating that the U.S. could struggle to secure victory in an extended confrontation with China due to deficiencies in its defense industrial base.

The ongoing war in Ukraine has further illustrated that the success of prolonged conflicts heavily relies on the availability of ammunition and military supplies, ranging from artillery shells to air defense missiles. Consequently, U.S. services and industries are ramping up efforts to boost production, yet this is viewed as a gradual process.

A recent report from the Heritage Foundation called for a significant overhaul of the U.S. defense industrial base to effectively deter China. It underscored the necessity for regulatory reforms, reallocation of funding, and diminished procurement uncertainties to ensure that American industries can meet anticipated demands. A collective of researchers emphasized that failure to implement such changes could jeopardize the U.S.'s ability to deter aggression from China or, if required, engage in warfare.

Driscoll recently observed U.S. soldiers conducting Arctic warfare training in Alaska, a vital component of readiness for potential conflicts in the Indo-Pacific region. His comments resonate with the broader objectives set forth by Trump administration officials, who have indicated that revitalizing the American defense industry is a top priority.

Upon his confirmation, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stressed the importance of rebuilding the U.S. military to align its capabilities with emerging threats. He articulated the necessity of reviving the defense industrial base, reforming acquisition processes, conducting financial audits, and swiftly deploying new technologies.

Nonetheless, addressing these industrial challenges is not a quick fix. Many of the issues plaguing the U.S. defense industry have deep historical roots and have persisted despite prior attempts at reform. Driscoll reiterated that if the U.S. were to engage China in the Pacific, the Army would play a central role in ground combat operations and would need to innovate continuously to support the broader military objectives.

We are taking it very seriously, Driscoll stated. Whatever role the Army has against China, we believe it will be one of the core roles for what will likely be a long, drawn-out war. Once everyone settles into their defensive postures, it will be the Army that helps sustain the U.S.