North Africa 1941-1942: Enhancing the Combat Power of Armored/Motorized Formations
Abstract
The monograph first discusses the elements of combat power and how they relate to enhance its development. Next, two battles from North Africa, the Crusader Battle, November-December 1941, and the Battle of Gazala, May-June 1942, are analyzed using the elements combat power. Following this historical analysis, changes which have occurred within each element since Gazala are discussed before applicable lessons are related to current armored/motorized formations. The current organization and operating principles of the 9th Infantry Division (ID) are discussed next as an example of contemporary armored/ motorized formations. Each element of combat power is compared with current operating principles, theory and history, as well as battlefield changes, to provide considerations for developing combat power by armored/motorized formations. Finally, implications and future missions for the 9th ID are discussed. The paper concludes that while there are applicable lessons from the WWII battles analyzed, they all cannot be transferred directly to current battlefield situations. What is clear, as with both the Axis and Allies, is the need to combine all the elements to develop combat power fully. Finally, while this paper does not fully address all the issues, armored/motorized formations can provide a mobile and relatively heavy antiarmor threat with a relatively small investment of strategic lift. Keywords: North Africa; Battles; Armor; Combat power.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 30, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA225424
Entities
People
- Paul A. Loveless
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College