Reconstitution: A Combat Force Multiplier

Abstract

Reconstitution of a fighting force is a subject of tremendous importance, especially in light of current AirLand Battle doctrine. The tempo and the lethality on the AirLand Battlefield will be such that brigade, division and even corps size units can expect to be significantly degraded in equipment, supplies and personnel in a very short period of time. Once this happens, the unit must be reconstituted in order that it can reenter the battle as an effective fighting force. The fact that reconstitution is widely misunderstood is due largely to the lack of doctrine on the subject. The purpose of this article is to focus attention on reconstitution as a combat force multiplier and to urge the immediate promulgation of clear and concise doctrine for the commander in the field. In the meantime, it is imperative that commanders seize the initiative by incorporating reconstitution into their OPLANS and to vigorously exercise it at every opportunity.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 20, 1989
Accession Number
ADA209511

Entities

People

  • Thomas E. Johnson

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Human Systems
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Battlefields
  • Battles
  • Casualties
  • Combat Effectiveness
  • Combat Forces
  • Command And Control
  • Command And Control Systems
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Control Systems
  • Damage Assessment
  • End Items
  • Rear Areas
  • Security
  • Transportation
  • War
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Maritime Combat Support and Expeditionary Logistics.
  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies
  • Strategic Security Studies