Shutting the Door: U.S. Army Doctrine for Encirclement/Envelopment Operations at the Operational Level of War,
Abstract
This study analyzes how encirclement operations are important to current U.S. Army doctrine as professed in FM 100-5-- Operations. The basic tenets of AirLland Battle, how doctrine is a guide for commonality within the armed services, and World War II and NATOEX operations are examined to discover their applicability for inclusion in current doctrine. Study conclusions include: coalition warfare, unless greatly rehearsed, is a detriment to the successful conduct of an encirclement operation; lack of unity of command over the operation, unless created from the onset of the operation, respective commanders' concern with their areas of operations and not the big picture; planning considerations must include size and composition of attacking force, use of artillery, reserves, and combat service support at a minimum; and educational preparation of the commanders and staffs on the procedures for conducting an encirclement is needed to insure a cogent plan and operation. While the conceptual framework furnished in FM 100-5 and other Army manuals does not contain the appropriate amount of guidance for conducting an encirclement operation, Soviet doctrine contains information that could prove beneficial to US Army doctrine writers.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 22, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA174126
Entities
People
- Robert J. Curran
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College