Antiarmor Company in the Armor Battalion.
Abstract
This report evaluates whether or not the antiarmor companies of M-2 equipped mechanized infantry battalions should be given to armor battalions that fight pure. Without attached mechanized infantry, the pure armor battalion has no long range direct fire antitank systems unless it uses the M-3s in the scout platoon. The scout platoon missions are reconnaissance, security and movement control. The question of the best use of the antiarmor company was answered by testing armor and mechanized infantry battalions with and without antiarmor companies. the four force structures were evaluated on the ability to assist the withdrawal of the covering force and on defense of the main battle area. The research was conducted using the FIREFIGHT wargame on terrain boards duplicating conditions in the Federal Republic of Germany. Based on the observations of the eight engagements wargamed, the capabilities of antiarmor companies are maximized when companies are taken from mechanized infantry battalions and given to armor battalions that would otherwise have to fight pure. Keywords: Force structure; Antitank guided missile, and Weapon standoff.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 02, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA167682
Entities
People
- James B. Gunlicks
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College