Armor in Military Operations Other Than War: An Effective Emp1oyment Option.

Abstract

This study investigates the use of armor in military operations other than war (MOOTW). MOOTW are likely to be the most prevalent missions conducted by U.S. forces in the foreseeable future. A significant portion of U.S. forces are armored units. Consequently, it is important to determine if these forces can be used effectively in MOOTW. This study examines the use of armor by Marine forces in Lebanon from 1982- 1984, Marines and Army units in Haiti during operation 'Uphold Democracy', and the Army in Panama during operation 'Safe Haven'. In addition examples of the use of armor in operation 'Just Cause' are compared to the three major case studies. Finally, the doctrine available on the use of armor in MOOTW is related to the case studies. The study concludes that armor is effective in MOOTW. It also concludes that the role and effect of armor in MOOTW is often misunderstood by military and civilians alike. Training in, and attention to MOOTW is lacking throughout the military and particularly within the armor community. The study recommends that MOOTW training be given a higher priority throughout the military, and that doctrine for the use of armor in all MOOTW be created and disseminated.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 07, 1996
Accession Number
ADA312700

Entities

People

  • Jean T. Malone

Organizations

  • United States Army Command and General Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Anti-Tank Missiles
  • Armored Personnel Carriers
  • Combat Operations
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Employment
  • Families (Human)
  • Gunfire
  • Light Armored Vehicles
  • Military Force Levels
  • Military History
  • Military Operations
  • Military Science
  • National Security
  • Personnel Management
  • Warfare
  • Weapons Effects

Readers

  • International Relations and Conflict Resolution
  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies
  • ballistics.