Is the Air Cavalry Training for the Right Missions? The 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 1st Air Cavalry Division Republic of Vietnam - 1965 to 1966.
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to determine whether a disparity exists between the doctrinal missions an air cavalry unit trains for in peacetime and the missions it actually performs in combat. The study presents an overview of what cavalry missions have been historically, as well as the Army's doctrinal definition of what the cavalry mission was in the 1960s. This study also presents the actual missions of an air cavalry squadron as performed in combat. This study examines the U.S. Army's doctrinal definitions of the air cavalry mission during the 1960's adn then compared this definition to the missions which were performed by the 1st Squadron, 9th Cavarly in the Republic of Vietnam. Research confirms that a disparity did exist between the doctrinal missions and the mission which were performed in combat. Investigation also shows that the cavalry doctrine of the 1960d lacked an applicability to air cavalry units, because the doctrine was almost exclusively based on ground cavalry units. As a result, when the 1/9th Cavalry as just another aviation unit rather than as cavalry squadron. This thought impacts on today's employment techniques of air cavalry units.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 05, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA186232
Entities
People
- William L. Driver
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College