IBCT Operations on the Depopulated Battlefield
Abstract
The United States Army is transforming from its Legacy Force, to the Objective Force. Until the Army completes this transformation, the Interim Brigade Combat Teams (IBCT) are likely to conduct the bulk of the workload during stability operations and support operations. New doctrine advocates the employment of widely dispersed forces in a noncontiguous, nonlinear operating environment, and the IBCTs are the first elements likely to operate using these methods. Their enhanced capabilities need to facilitate effective operations on the depopulated battlefield (defined as a reduction in the concentration of units and soldiers on a battlefield). Extending the battlefield's depth and breadth creates numerous problems. The IBCTs will encounter and must overcome these problems in order to remain effective. Therefore, this monograph examines the IBCT Organizational and Operational (O&O) Concept to determine whether it overcomes the challenges inherent in conducting depopulated operations. This monograph identifies the historical problems related to depopulation, offers solutions, and then compares the solutions against the O&O. Its primary focus is on newly generated, or intensified, depopulation problems caused by the IBCT O&O. Problems already associated with Legacy Forces, that depopulation does not intensify, do not fall within the scope of the research question.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 20, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA403213
Entities
People
- Richard P. Andrise
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College