Tactical Dislocation: Force XXI Doctrine or Just Another Pretty Theory?
Abstract
The U.S. Army is smaller today than at any time since before World War Two. With the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the Army is reducing significantly not only its size but also its forward presence, preferring instead to rely more on power projection. Notwithstanding the disappearance of the Soviets, there are still myriad contingencies around the world to which this small, power-projected force must react. As the Army continues to get smaller, it is also entering the information age through a modernization process called FORCE XXI. This monograph examines whether or not these factors make a new tactical doctrine -- specifically, a doctrine based on dislocation of enemy strengths -- possible and necessary. The monograph begins by examining what both current and emerging tactical doctrine say and do in terms of three criteria: (1) How each views and addresses enemy strengths; (2) How each views defeat of the enemy; and (3) The level of flexibility each offers for a small, technologically advanced force, given the nature of future threats. Next, the monograph examines dislocation theory and defines each of the forms.of tactical dislocation. Inherent in this examination is a look at the theoretical and historical - soundness of the theory. Then, the monograph applies the three criteria to dislocation, in order to compare it with current and emerging doctrine. Finally, the monograph discusses how the Army might go about adopting a dislocation-based doctrine. This discussion involves an examination of the phenomenon of defeat, a look at the defining characteristics of the future threat and how to translate the concept of dislocation into action on the battlefield.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 18, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA339526
Entities
People
- David E. Funk
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College