Airland Battle Preparation: Have we Forgotten to Train the Dismounted Mechanized Infantryman

Abstract

Modern mechanized warfare came of age during World War II, exemplified by the crack German Panzer Divisions under the command of Field Marshall Erwin Rommel. U.S. mechanized doctrine began to evolve at about the same time and has been refined to the point where tanks and accompanying mechanized infantry units will compliment each other for the foreseeable future. As we field the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, however, new challenges face the infantry community. Bradley leaders contend that focus on crew gunnery and vehicle maintenance, combined with a limited time resource, cause erosion of traditional dismounted skills. To overcome this weakness immediately, unit leaders must establish solid long and short range training plans, plan for FTX's, use opportunity training for dismounted skills, and introduce more imaginative qualification ranges. For longer range impact, the Infantry School needs to consider adopting the 'element' fighting concept, training strategy, and unit organization.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 30, 1988
Accession Number
ADA195235

Entities

People

  • Theodore R. Severn

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Combat Readiness
  • Commerce
  • Doctrine
  • Employment
  • Management Personnel
  • Organizational Structure
  • Rifles
  • Second World War
  • Small Arms
  • Standards
  • Tactical Training
  • Teamwork
  • Terrain
  • Training Management
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare
  • Weapons

Readers

  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies
  • Military Science
  • Systems Analysis and Design