The Wolf Pack Connection: A Comparison of World War II Wolf Packs and Modern Attack Helicopter Tactics.
Abstract
This study explores a comparison of World War II wolf packs and modern attack helicopter battalions. Descriptions of submarines using continuous employment, an attack helicopter technique, against convoys in the Pacific in 1945, and U-boat commanders describing their boats as 'hovering,' offer at least a superficial relationship. This paper investigates the comparison in more depth using four battlefield mechanics: force, target, action, and counteraction. A submarine engagement sequence is developed that offers striking similarity to the way helicopters maneuver against mechanized targets. While both must close with the massed target before employing their missile systems, helicopter forces, more than their submarine 'counterparts,' emphasize long range engagements, employing weapon standoff. History, however, suggests American experience in the Pacific began to demonstrate benefits of more distance submarine engagements. Helicopter forces employ fire and maneuver, more difficult for submarines, which have only marginal speed advantage over their intended targets.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 07, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA312465
Entities
People
- Stephen A. Ingalls
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College