Who Better to Employ the CAP Concept than Reconnaissance Units?
Abstract
According to Lieutenant General James Mattis, "the greatest probability is the rise of so called irregular challengers. . . insurgency (among other things) . . . will challenge United States security interests globally." With these comments from the General the Marine Corps will have to adjust its employment methods. The mindset for training our troops for this type of warfare is different than preparing for conventional engagements. Therefore, it is imperative that the United States military attain the ability to operate smartly, independently, and decisively on an asymmetrical battlefield. The Combined Action Platoon (CAP) concept has displayed some success when facing "irregular challenges", but the right men need to be chosen for such missions. Because they have the training, equipment, and maturity needed to be successful in this type of environment, reconnaissance platoons are best suited to apply the Combined Action Platoon (CAP) concept in Iraq. In Vietnam, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines were successful in combining South Vietnamese Popular Forces (PF's) and effectively defending within their Area of Responsibility (AOR). Out of this combined action of PFs and Marines living and fighting in the local villages evolved the Combined Action Platoons (CAP).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 07, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA503476
Entities
People
- Matthew T. Schramm
- Wright
Organizations
- Marine Corps University