The Assault of a Fortified Position: Challenge for the Light Infantry Forces.

Abstract

This monograph analyzes whether U.S. light forces are trained adequately to successfully accomplish the assault of a fortified position. The assault of a fortified position held by a determined defender is a difficult task. A fortified position is a well-constructed defensive position which often includes fighting positions, bunkers, and trenchlines and may include obstacles. History provides numerous accounts of bloody attacks against such positions. U.S. Army light forces (light, airborne, and air assault) are expected to accomplish this mission on the modern battlefield. Yet, observations from the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) suggest that light forces are not trained adequately to successfully accomplish this mission. Light forces at the JRTC are not using the battle proven principles of surprise, concentration, tempo and audacity in their assaults of fortified positions. This monograph first reviews theory and doctrine for infantry assaults from the advent of modern weapons in the late nineteenth century through present day. Fran this review, the key principles (surprise, concentration, tempo and audacity) of successful light infantry assaults of fortified positions are identified. Next, historical examples of successful light force assaults of fortified positions are analyzed to determine how these key principles were applied. Then current light infantry assaults of fortified positions, as executed at the JRTC, are examined to find out if units are applying the key principles. Conclusions about current U.S. light force training are provided, based on application of the key principles at JRTC. Finally, implications are drawn fran these conclusions for the future use of light infantry for assaults of fortified positions.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 17, 1993
Accession Number
ADA288752

Entities

People

  • Thomas W. Kula

Organizations

  • United States Army Command and General Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Armored Vehicles
  • Artillery
  • Artillery Fire
  • Combat Operations
  • Command And Control
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Doctrine
  • Fire Support
  • First World War
  • Indirect Fire
  • Lessons Learned
  • Military Science
  • New York
  • Second World War
  • Small Arms
  • Task Forces
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies
  • Military Science
  • Military Training and Readiness Simulation