The Capabilities That Medium-Armored Forces Bring to the Full Spectrum of Operations
Abstract
Medium-armored forces are central to the U.S. Army's vision of the Future Force, expected to combine the agility of light infantry with the greater lethality and survivability of heavy units through the Future Combat System (FCS). FCS is a networked family of systems designed to achieve information superiority on the battlefield. While the U.S. Army develops FCS, it is fielding Stryker brigade combat teams, medium-armored forces that give the current force increased capability. Medium-armored units have been employed extensively in the 20th century, but today the U.S. Army has little resident experience with them across the full range of military operations. To provide additional insight and to help inform decisions about the Future Force, researchers at RAND Arroyo Center conducted a qualitative assessment of the performance of medium-armored forces in 13 past conflicts that span the range of military operations. Specifically, they conducted case studies of both U.S. and foreign militaries to understand the unique capabilities that medium-armored forces have brought to past conflicts, how they have performed in complex terrain, and what advantages the rapid-deployment capability of medium-armored forces has provided to operational commanders in the past. Key findings: (1) Medium-armored forces can make critical contributions, especially when augmenting light forces or in cases where rapid response can preempt an effective enemy counter; (2) While medium armor enjoys clear advantages over heavy armor in many situations, adversaries operating in complex terrain with heavy armor and/or highly lethal weaponry can negate these advantages; and (3) Future Army forces need to maintain an appropriate mix of heavy, medium-armored, and light forces tailored to the battlefield conditions that best match their attributes.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA494530
Entities
People
- Susan Woodward
Organizations
- RAND Corporation