The Viability of Large Scale Amphibious Operations on the Eve of the Twenty First Century in Light of Military Operations Other Than War (MOOTW), High and Low Technology Weapons, and Weapons of Mass Destruction.
Abstract
This study addresses the viability of large scale amphibious operations within the context of the missions required of amphibious forces in today's threat environment. In the past, massive fleets carrying tens of thousands of troops characterized amphibious operations and embodied typical power projection images. Recent missions conducted by naval forces in Somalia and Rwanda are decidedly different in scope, practice, and intensity from those of Tarawa, Okinawa, and Inchon. This study examines Somalia in particular and addresses the conditions leading to intervention and the conditions and problems that characterized the intervention. The study also highlights characteristics such as clan tensions and other factors of instability that threaten the stability of nations and would cause the introduction of American amphibious forces. In the variety of missions amphibious forces are likely to conduct, a mix of high and low technology weapons are likely to be available to nation states. From mines to information warfare, this study examines those weapon systems amphibious forces are likely to encounter. It also examines the weapons, systems and doctrine amphibious forces have developed to operate safely in the littorals. This study concludes with the assertion that large scale amphibious forces and assaults are archaic and have been replaced by smaller more lethal forces using maneuver warfare.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 07, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA331847
Entities
People
- Dorian F. Jones
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College