Field Artillery and the Operational Offensive.
Abstract
This study is a historical analysis of the demonstrated Russian and American artillery principles and techniques which were instrumental in achieving success in offensive actions at the operational level of war during World War II. Each army's concept is examined based on historical records and contemporary literature and then compared to reveal similarities and differences. The common characteristics are then compared to the general considerations listed in the 1986 version of FM 100-5 Operations. The Russian Vistula-Oder Operation and the American Operation Cobra illustrate the similarities and differences. The conclusions which could be drawn are that 1) artillery support for actions at the tactical level of war and the operational level of war are very similar, 2) operational fire or operational field artillery is more correctly a procedure to support actions at the operational level of war, and 3) both the effectively supported their respective maneuver doctrines. Each country's doctrine achieved the goals set by the country's army and were based on different concepts, yet were still very similar.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 16, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA174164
Entities
People
- Michael T. Chychota
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College