Continuous Operations: The Time Dimension of Battle,
Abstract
This paper examines the conduct of continuous operations from the theoretical, historical and doctrinal perspective. To define the problem, it begins with an overview of the recent research in the field. It then closely examines a division which sucessfully conducted continuous operations during World War II. Finally, it reviews current American and Soviet doctrine on the subject to determine if it addresses the issues raised by the theory and case study. The division studied in the case study is the 104th Infantry Division in its battles from the Roer to the Rhine from 23 Feb to 7 Mar 1945. The division's performance is analyzed from activation through this operation using the available historical records. The analysis of the battles focusses on the division's tactical conduct of operations. It concludes that current theory only partially explains the issues involved. Current theory and doctrine have focused primarily on the performance limits of the individual soldier and the conduct of night operations. Keywords: Continuous operations, 104th Infantry division; Night operations; Sustained operations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA192585
Entities
People
- Thomas M. Mcginnis
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College