Force Projection Operations: Lessons from Amphibious Warfare Doctrine,
Abstract
This monograph addresses the threats to force projection operations and assesses current doctrine to counter these threats during the operation. The threats considered are sea mines, diesel-electric submarines, anti-ship missiles, and air attack. It is the hypothesis of this paper that the threats currently faced by force projection operational planners are the same as those faced by force projection planners during World War II and Korea. Can the doctrine employed during those two conflicts still serve current force projection planners? Landing Force Manual 01, Doctrine for Amphibious Operations was developed during the 1930's. It was a doctrine to answer the need for a method of projecting power in order to conduct a naval war against Japan. The methods described in Landing Force Manual O1 were designed to counter enemy threats to the amphibious forces by isolating the objective area, neutralizing the threats within, projecting power in the form of firepower and maneuver forces ashore, and providing for force projection. These tasks remain the same for modern day force projection operations. Landing Force Manual O1 is proposed as a base document to remedy a doctrinal deficiency in the US military, a lack of a clear doctrine for force projection operations. Suggestions are made to bring Landing Force Manual O1 up to date so it may serve as a doctrinal basis for planning all force projection operations. Alternatively, recommendations are offered regarding how Landing Force Manual O1 may serve as the basis for a new doctrine for force projection.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 23, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA314424
Entities
People
- Frank R. Boynton
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College