The Process of Change: The British Armored Division; Its Development and Employment in North Africa during World War II.
Abstract
This study analyzes the process of change in the British Army prior to and during World War II. It is an historical analysis of the development and changes in one of its major fighting formations during peace and war. The study looks at the key environmental factors, both external and internal which helped to shape the armored division in the formative years from 1926-1938. An analysis of how these factors affected the formulation of doctrine for armored forces in the British Army is made. Within this study, doctrine development was a key element which greatly affected the final form of the armored division prior to World War II. During the war, this analysis focuses on the elements of doctrine, weapons and soldiers. Analysis of the campaigns in North Africa provides insight into the dynamic relationship of these three elements. The investigation demonstrates the key role which individual leaders play in the process of change. This study develops a conceptual framework for the change process in an Army and concludes that this framework is valid during peace and war. The entire change process is much more dynamic during war and the capability of an army to adapt is a key factor in its success. This study explores the relationship between conceptual and physical change and concludes that resistance to new doctrinal concepts limits the effectiveness of physical changes in weapons, organizations and training methods. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA163067
Entities
People
- Daniel A. Hahn
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College