What are the Right Fire Support Requirements for Army Airborne Forced Entry Operations with the Changing Contemporary Operational Environment?
Abstract
This thesis studies the use of fire support platforms for Army airborne operations conducted within the new operational environment. It focuses on how field artillery can be a combat enabler for maneuver during forced entry operations (FEO). It is argued that the contemporary operational environment (COE) is more dangerous and less predictable than the previous operational environment of the Cold War. In this context, the National Command Authority should maintain a rapid response, forcible entry capability to set conditions for follow-on forces. Units, such as the 82d Airborne Division and Army Rangers, can lead the effort in FEOs. When a maneuver commander conducts an FEO he or she visualizes how the operation will unfold. As part of the visualization the commander must determine the right fire support requirement to help achieve success. Currently, the maneuver commander is supported by AC-130 gunships to different types of airborne field artillery and mortar units. For the commander to achieve success, he or she must decide on the right combination of versatility, firepower, and maneuver within the different capabilities of each fire support platform. This thesis analyzes the comparison of criteria for these systems. This allows the maneuver commander and staff to decide on the right fire support platform to conduct FEOs. (10 tables, 73 refs.)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 18, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA429026
Entities
People
- Anthony J. Healey
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College