Army operational fires: the king of battle in the Italian Campaign during World War II
Abstract
This monograph addresses the concept of operational fires and studies the relationship between operational fires and maneuver. By analyzing the US Army's experience in the Italian Campaign during World War II, the evidence suggests a balanced, synergistic relationship between operational fires and maneuver to maximize combat power and options. Operation Husky in Sicily and Operation Shingle at Anzio in Italy are the two campaigns used for detailed analysis. Evidence related to the case studies suggests the role of operational fires increased as the role of operational maneuver decreased in both campaigns and found a growing proficiency in the use of operational fires by the US Army through the war. This monograph concludes the role of operational fires is equally important today. The author presents conclusions that suggest the importance of flexible fires forces that can be rapidly centralized, the need for Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) platforms dedicated to acquiring targets for operational fires, and the desirability of a rocket capability in the current divisional force structure to extend the space in which operational fires can favorably shape the tactical fight.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 24, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1071492
Entities
People
- James A. Silsby
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College