The U.S. Army Heavy Division: An Appropriate Platform for Force Projection Operations?
Abstract
This monograph seeks to determine whether Army mechanized infantry and armored divisions are appropriate platforms for force projection operations. To establish a context for answering this question, an overview of the strategic environment is conducted. Army participation in accomplishing the strategic vision of engagement and enlargement is reviewed in context of an army predominantly based within the United States and expected to deploy to various contingencies. Next, the heavy divisions' history, composition, and stationing are presented as background to the analysis of the resources required to strategically move the heavy division. This monograph concludes that the heavy division, though difficult to move, is capable of moving strategically using multiple methods of transportation. The heavy division is also an equipment based force rather than a people based force and in some situations may experience a shortage of dismounted soldiers to accomplish various tasks. Though it may experience some difficulty, the heavy division can successfully conduct operations other than what it is designed for, and allowed some recovery time, be able to provide decisive force in traditional combat missions afterwards. Ultimately, the heavy division is a viable force in the current strategic setting and will likely remain so until advances in weapons technology render heavily armored vehicles obsolete.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 20, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA324267
Entities
People
- Jay H. Hale
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College