The AirLand Battle Trojan Horse: The Use of Bypassed Forces to Increase Tactical Depth in the Defense,
Abstract
This monograph analyzes the use of bypassed forces in defensive operations to determine if they are a viable means for increasing tactical depth of the defense. Because of the fluid nature and rapid tempo of modern battle there will be situations where defending forces become bypassed by an attacking enemy. Traditionally, such forces were considered to be in a desperate situation, necessitating actions to effect their withdrawal back to friendly lines to reestablish contiguous lines of defense. This study approachs bypassed forces from the perspective that they possess a potential relative positional advantage against an attacking enemy and investigates alternative employment concepts to determine if this potential can be translated into a benefit for the defense. Historical analysis of several situations from World War II and the Korean War provides examples of bypassed forces employed in a variety of ways. The selected case studies involve both light and heavy forces and are used to analyze the premise that such forces can be employed to increase the tactical depth of the defense. Based on lessons derived from these case studies viable employment concepts and associated tactical considerations are developed for bypassed forces. These should then serve to underpin an employment doctrine for bypassed forces.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 19, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA179592
Entities
People
- Russell J. Goehring
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College