Setting the Conditions: The Commander's Integration of Fire Support in Maneuver Warfare.
Abstract
This study examines the application of fires and maneuver through the eyes of commanders who have successfully integrated these two dynamics of combat power. To compensate for the lack of a clear measurement of integrated fires and maneuver, an integration model is developed to scrutinize commanders' efforts. This model, termed the integration triad in the study, consists of: fires in depth, detailed yet flexible planning, and focused targeting. The integration triad was used to screen and select three case studies for analysis: The Battle of Bobruisk in 1944; the Battle of Dien Bien Phu in 1954; and a battle at the National Training Center in 1994. Analysis of the commanders in the three cases revealed that they were successful because of their ability to expand their vision and intent beyond what is currently held as doctrine. The current doctrinal notions of decisive points as stepping stones, and a commander's intent focused on the endstate rather than a critical point are challenged within the context of the analysis of the case studies. This study further recommends several changes in doctrinal terms and concepts with regards to commander's intent, effects, and decisive points.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 07, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA312702
Entities
People
- Samuel R. White Jr.
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College