Considerations for the Distribution of Antiarmor Weapons.
Abstract
This thesis reviews the history of U.S. antiarmor weapons, doctrine, and organization since the 1930's and tests the hypothesis that there are certain considerations that have been significant in the successful distribution of antiarmor weapons. Four periods of histroy are studied. The first of these is the pre-World War II years, 1939-1940. The second is that period, 1940-1944, between introduction of the German 'blitzkrieg' and the Allied invasion of Normandy. The third period covers U.S. Army operation in the European Theater of Operations, 1944-1945. The final period is from 1946 until the present. The author concludes that four considerations have been significant in the successful distribution of antiarmor weapons: perception of the threat, technology, doctrine, and resource constraints. Failure to properly address any one of these has consistently caused a later major reorganization of antiarmor weapons. The author suggests that these considerations should be carefully examined by force planners developing future antiarmor weapons, doctrine, and organization. Several possible applications to the Army of Excellence are includded in the concluding chapter of the study.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 20, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA164799
Entities
People
- James S. Gavitt
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College