Javelin: The New Chess Piece for the Bradley Infantryman.
Abstract
The Army is currently replacing the outdated Dragon medium antiarmor missile with the much more capable Javelin man-portable antiarmor missile. The new missile is a tremendous improvement over the old system, not merely a small step but a leap in capability for the dismounted infantry forces. The capabilities of this missile require that our Army examine how we intend to integrate it into our infantry forces and understand that the tactics of employing the Javelin are significantly different than those of the Dragon. This monograph compares the currently deployed Dragon medium antitank missile to the soon to be fielded Javelin medium antitank missile. The monograph also examines whether the current tactics and doctrine for employment of the Dragon are sufficient for the new missile. The premise is that the current tactics for use of the Dragon must be reevaluated in light of the greatly enhanced capability of the Javelin missile system. The monograph begins with a technical comparison and examination of the two systems through the use of six critical attributes of man-portable, antiarmor systems. These attributes are lethality, rate of fire, range, gunner survivability and protection, portability, and ease of training. Next, the monograph examines the coevolution of armor and anti armor systems in order to show the importance of organizational, tactical and doctrinal changes in maximizing the capabilities of any new weapon. The monograph then analyzes the use of the Dragon in Bradley infantry units with the purpose of illustrating how the weapon limits commanders and soldiers due to its capabilities. Tactical employment of the mechanized company team and the dismounted infantry element are considered. Finally, the monograph examines the Javelin and the leap in capability provided by this system. Retaining Dragon based tactics and thinking will prevent the realiza
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 18, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA340082
Entities
People
- Emmett M. Schaill
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College