A New Defense Battalion for the MAGTF?
Abstract
A well trained, properly equipped defense unit will be required for the foreseeable future, due to the rapidly evolving unmanned aircraft and cruise missile threat and the necessity to employ land based aviation assets from a forward operating base (FOB) during expeditionary operations ashore, therefore, the Marine Corps should convert Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) Battalions into Defense Battalions to provide its air defense and air base ground defense. Discussion: Defense Battalions were formed prior to World War II to defend advance naval bases in response to the growing Japanese threat in the Pacific. Defense Battalions included sea coast artillery, anti-aircraft artillery, machine gun sections, and surveillance sections with radar; infantry units were attached when required. Defense Battalions were the initial line of defense against the Japanese aggression in the Pacific, but as the war progressed, Defense Battalions grew in strength and capabilities and came ashore with infantry units during amphibious assaults. Once ashore, Defense .Battalions conducted secondary infantry missions in addition to their primary mission. Overall, Defense Battalions provided a flexible, combined arms team that proved to be an effective fighting force capable of supporting offensive operations, defending bases from air and ground attack, and conducting secondary infantry missions. Today's two remaining air defense battalions in the Marine Corps conduct similar missions to the Defense Battalions of World War II, defending critical Marine-Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) assets from ground and air attack.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA508960
Entities
People
- Kenneth W. Phelps Iii
Organizations
- Marine Corps Combat Development Command