Operational Maneuver in the 90's: Is Army Aviation a Viable Option?
Abstract
Operational maneuver is a key element of operational art and AirLand Battle Doctrine. Prominent theorists have argued that the answer to the problems was airmechanization, the employment of a force organized around a rotary wing Main Battle Air Vehicle in an air maneuver role. This study examines the history and theory of operational maneuver to determine requisite characteristics for an operational maneuver force. It then examines current and conceptual Army rotary wing forces, to include Soviet air assault brigades, to determine if these forces possess the capability to perform operational maneuver. It is concluded that current Army aviation units, in particular the corps aviation brigade, are capable of fulfilling the role of operational maneuver forces. The vertical envelopment capabilities of the air assault division give that division operational maneuver capabilities. Present aviation organizations are not optimally configured for operational level air maneuver. The organizations have difficulty achieving significant mass, and sustaining themselves for long periods in independent operations. Further, our doctrine does not emphasize the employment of aviation in mass to achieve operational results. The proposed AirLand Battle Future corps aviation has the potential to overcome these limitations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 04, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA233999
Entities
People
- Michael T. Inman
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College