A force replacing its equipment needs enough people to operate legacy systems while others learn and integrate the replacements. New equipment can take time to reach the required standard, leaving an overlap during which both systems need support. Keeping the Army small makes that overlap harder to sustain. The resulting choice between rushing a new system into service and prolonging an ageing one is described as expensive and risky either way. Recruitment, adequate pay and service housing affect the ability to sustain enough personnel, so poor living conditions also have consequences for readiness.
Notable Point · 4:15-5:20
Personnel capacity during defence transitions
A transition between legacy and new equipment requires enough personnel to sustain both capabilities until the replacement is dependable.