The Battle for Information: Division Reconnaissance in Large-Scale Combat Operations
Abstract
With the focus of the force returning to large-scale combat operations, the Army must evaluate whether the current force structure can support large-scale combat. US Army divisions no longer have the capability organic to the division headquarters to conduct reconnaissance, surveillance, or security operations in support of its subordinate headquarters, and to make matters worse, the environment that division commanders must operate in is continuously growing more complex. Currently, division commanders are forced to either rely on national level assets to answer commander's critical information requirements, or task organize their subordinate formations, and weaken their ability to conduct offensive and defensive operations, to conduct reconnaissance, surveillance, and security operations. In future large-scale combat operations in a multi-domain environment, divisions must be able to conduct reconnaissance, surveillance, and security operations across all domains, the cyber-electromagnetic spectrum, and the information environment. Not addressing this gap could result in failure to achieve the tactical, operational, and strategic objectives required of the US Army in future large-scale combat operations in a multi-domain environment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 21, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1159735
Entities
People
- Bradley J. Rakoce
Organizations
- School of Advanced Military Studies