Forced Entry: Does the Current Airborne Division Still Retain This Capability Under the Light Infantry Tables of Organization and Equipment?
Abstract
The intent of this monograph is to examine whether the airborne division still retains its ability to conduct successful forced-entry missions with the new Light Infantry L-series Table Of Organization & Equipment. In order to arrive at a decision two historical examples of airborne operations are studied along with the H-series TO&E, which is just being dropped. An analysis of the difference between the H-series and L-series is also conducted to determine which best supports forced entry in terms of combat power. The author concludes that the change of TO&E from the H-series to the L-series does not provide enough combat power for an airborne division to conduct a forced entry mission against a well-trained, armed, and motivated enemy. Nevertheless, the Army needs an airborne division in its inventory for the flexibility an airborne division gives the National Command Authority and a Theater Commander to conduct forced entry missions. Therefore, the Army needs to stop the changeover in progress with the L-Series. It should then attempt to get the airborne division back closer to the H-Series. This will return more combat power and mission capability to the division.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 09, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA179595
Entities
People
- John F. Caldwell
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College