Tanks in the Surf: Army Armor in Expeditionary Amphibious Operations During World War II
Abstract
The divestment of tanks from the Marine Corps in 2020 leaves the Army as the sole provider of tanks for the joint force. This shift has implications for the Army and the role of armor in future amphibious operations. This paper will analyze the Army's historical employment of armored units in amphibious assaults during World War II and draw lessons for today. Using archival sources, it will explore the operational use of non-amphibious tanks in Sicily and the Philippines. It will evaluate to what extent armor employment followed Army amphibious, armored, and combined arms doctrine. This study finds that armor was employed following pre-war and intra-war doctrine but that there is a gap in current Army Doctrine regarding amphibious operations. It also determines that the Army should change how it conceptualizes amphibious operations. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of armor as a member of a balanced combined arms team. The qualities of armor, mainly shock, mobility, and protected firepower, make it a vital member of the joint amphibious landing team. It concludes by advocating for the codification in doctrine of previous amphibious lessons learned to ensure the Army can deploy and employ armor as part of the joint combined arms landing force. Ultimately, this research seeks to spark a rediscovery of the Army's amphibious heritage.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 10, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1210061
Entities
People
- Matthew W. Graham
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College