M1A2 Tank Battalion Organization - A Call for Innovation.
Abstract
This monograph analyzes proposed M1A2 tank battalion organizational alternatives presently under consideration by the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command. The U.S. Army has undergone numerous armor reorganizations since the invention of the tank in World War I. Throughout this eighty year period, tank battalion organization has remained relatively stable: 4 or 5 tanks per platoon; 3 or 4 platoons per company; and 3 or 4 companies per battalion. There was good reason behind such stability. Though the tank became more lethal and survivable over time, communications technology stagnated. Additionally, the Cold War prognosticators foresaw a need for large tank battalions closely aligned with their World War II heritage. Thus, the army relied upon historically proven small unit organizations to derive next generation organizations. Reliance on historical precedence may not be possible for the Force XXI army for two reasons. First, informational technology will finally come on par with tank lethality and survivability. Armor commanders, through the Intervehicular Information System, will have immediate access to critical information requirements. This technology may render historical span of control theories archaic. Second, the strategic landscape has drastically changed. The army no longer focuses its attention on large scale conventional war in Central Europe. Rather, the army is now prepared to project forces anywhere in the world on short notice. The next conflict will most likely be fought on short notice against an unforeseen adversary. Adaptability, tailorability, and deployability have replaced lethalilty, survivability, and robustness as critical armor organization requirements.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 14, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA309952
Entities
People
- James F. Pasquarette
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College