Amphibious Operations in the 21st Century: A Viable Forced-Entry Capability for The Operational Commander?
Abstract
Since the demise of the former Soviet Union, the world has witnessed greater international turmoil, aggression, and conflict. The possibility of a global conflict is minimal, but the opportunities for United States involvement in regional conflicts has increased in order to protect its vital interests. The current reductions in armed forces and forward deployment of units require the maintenance of a strong power projection and forced-entry capability. The two form of force-entry operations available to the operational commander are amphibious and airborne operations. The requirement to conduct amphibious forced-entry operations remains valid. The United States is a maritime nation and the majority of its interests lie close to the sea. However, the reduction in amphibious shipping, naval surface fire support, and mine-countermine capabilities, and the proliferation of advanced technology and weapons to potential third world foes, calls to question the ability of the United States to conduct traditional amphibious forced-entry operations. To remain viable in a much more lethal environment, amphibious operations must be conducted from a maneuver warfare perspective. Amphibious warfare, Amphibious doctrine, Maneuver warfare, Inchon-seoul, Attrition warfare, Operation chromite.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 14, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA274020
Entities
People
- Patrick M. Strain
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College