Investigation of the Tactical Control of Cover and Exposure and Its Relation to Predicted Combat Results.
Abstract
This report describes research concerned with two topics in the broad area of the interactions of terrain and tactics in small unit armored and mechanized combat engagements. One part, described in part I of this volume, addressed the problem of identifying specific quantitative elements of tactical exposure which predict combat results (as estimated by combat models). The second part, described in part II of this volume, examined the degree to which systematic interpersonal variations in tactical decision making may cause variations in engagement conditions, and consequently in combat results. The results of the first part strongly suggest that fine details of the control and coordination of the exposure periods of the individual weapon systems engaged in a battle are a principal determinant of the predicted combat results of the engagement. The results indicate the need for further research in the area of detailed tactical control of fire and maneuver, including field experimentation concerned with the feasibility of and benefits to be derived from increased degrees of maneuver coordination in small unit armored or mechanized combat. The results of the second part of the research, which involved experiments conducted with Army officers at the Armor and Infantry Schools, show a large variability in the design of tactical organizations for combat, but no significant systematic officer-to-officer variation in this or any other significant tactical variable examined. The results suggest some minor changes in Army study methodology to improve validity. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 28, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA054263
Entities
People
- Robert L. Farrell