The challenge, he said, is to design a new combat system with the M-1 and Bradley's survivability and lethality, but with the deployability of light forces. He said science and technology may hold the answer, but that answer could be four or five years away. The Chief after me will get to decide what that future combat vehicle will look like. But I can tell you that if it's another 70-ton tank, the Chief in 2015 will have the same problem that I have today. These units will buy the time needed to develop and create the objective force of the future.
Transformation is about science and technology investments today for the objective force.
During his remarks, Shinseki also explained his reasoning for advancing the Vision so quickly into his tour as Army Chief of Staff. He assumed his position in June 1999. A main factor for his prompt action on the Vision was the upcoming Defense Quadrennial Review in January 2001. But it would have been irrelevant. The message would have been more difficult to deliver.