The Cadre Division Concept: The 106th Infantry Division Revisited
Abstract
U.S. Army planners are currently considering the use of re divisions in future force structures. This paper provides a review of a World War II cadre division, the 106th Infantry Division, and analyzes its formation and performance in the Battle of the Bulge, for insights in fielding cadre units. While manpower considerations suggest cadre divisions may play a vital role in national defense, their success or failure in combat will hinge on a number of factors. Time has been identified as a critical factor in preparing a cadre division for deployment by Pentagon planners. But the 106th Division had almost two years to prepare for combat and still failed. The division was beset by poor internal leadership, personnel turbulence, lack of training in crucial areas, misunderstanding as to how to introduce it into the combat zone, lack of appreciation for technology on the part of its leaders, poor intelligence, and inappropriate leadership from the gaining Corps. Significantly, many of these factors were intertwined, compounding the complexity of fielding this type organization. Cadre divisions may continue to play a vital role in national defense, however, planners will have to carefully analyze the entire process for fielding cadre divisions and insure the mistakes with the 106th Division are not repeated.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA251307
Entities
People
- David R. Durr
Organizations
- United States Army War College