Improving Europe's Conventional Defenses.
Abstract
This memorandum examines the nature of the conventional balance in Europe today and proposes methods for improving NATO's conventional capabilities. The author notes public concern about increasing levels of nuclear weapons in Europe has spurred a search on both sides of the Atlantic for alternative ways to meet NATO's defense needs. Unfortunately, the parallel Soviet conventional force buildup and an awareness of many of NATO's defense problems (e.g., manpower and equipment shortfalls, unit maldeployments and overreliance on US reinforcements) help to reinforce impressions that a NATO conventional defense is simply out of reach. The author contends, however, that the Warsaw Pact has its own serious problems, including questionable reliability of its non-Soviet forces, lengthy lines of communication, an overreliance on armor and light defenses in its tactical rear areas. The author believes that by exploiting such Pact problems, NATO can develop a credible conventional defense. This memorandum proposes such a defense based on four main combat elements: regular maneuver forces, Area Combat Troops, support units and penetration elements.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADA132295
Entities
People
- Edward A. Corcoran
Organizations
- United States Army War College