The Rear Battle: A Maneuver Doctrine Dilemma

Abstract

This essay takes is a critical look at Rear Battle doctrine. The criticism is centrally focused on the influence that maneuver warfare has had on AirLand Battle and specifically on the Rear Battle. It exposes the flawed attempt to fuse the close-in and deep battle with the rear battle. It documents a long litany of doctrinal solutions offered in FM 90-14, Rear Battle. Selected issues reviewed include the command and control problems, base and base cluster problems, tactical combat force including fire support integration and the dilemma of fighting the rear battle versus CSS (Combat Service Support) mission support requirements. The paper advocates more relatistic training for CSS units, rethinking the mechanics of how Military police will respond to various threat level conditions and rewriting rear battle doctrine to reflect solutions to the problems delineated which are consistent with the capabilities of the units inhabiting the rear area. The essay ends with a plea for military leaders to recognize the realities of the rear battle situation and realize the danger in recklessly following maneuver doctrine.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 14, 1986
Accession Number
ADA168258

Entities

People

  • Raymond E. Gentilini

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • C4I
  • Cyber
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Army
  • Artillery
  • Classification
  • Combat Forces
  • Combat Vehicles
  • Command And Control
  • Doctrine
  • Fire Support
  • Monitoring
  • Multiple Launch Rocket System
  • Rear Areas
  • Security
  • Training
  • War
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare
  • Weapons

Readers

  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies
  • Military Training and Readiness Simulation
  • Strategic Security Studies

Technology Areas

  • Fully Networked C3
  • Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control