A Critique of the U.S. Army Force Redesign of Cavalry Formations within the Brigade Combat Teams
Abstract
The transformation and modularization of the U.S. Army's Brigade Combat Team (BCT) cavalry squadrons has had a negative impact on their effectiveness because it has reduced their ability to execute the full range of reconnaissance and security missions. After the first year of the Iraqi War, the U.S. Army transformed into modular BCTs. In this transformation each BCT received a reconnaissance squadron. Not only are these squadrons required to execute traditional tasks assigned to maneuver battalions, but they still have their traditional missions of reconnaissance and security. The current design for these squadrons is flawed. These flaws have created a capabilities gap, because now these squadrons cannot perform the full spectrum of reconnaissance and security missions. This thesis does not delve into current tactics, techniques, procedures (TIPs) or missions that these squadrons are executing in Iraq and Afghanistan. But it does address flaws in their table of organization, the doctrinal deficiencies found within their formations, and the flaws in the cavalry community's training of its leaders. Instead of trying to influence formations fighting on the battlefields today, the thesis is designed to better enable the cavalry formations of tomorrow. The current design of modular reconnaissance squadrons is flawed. If the squadrons remain this way, they will not be able to execute the missions needed to support the BCT commander as they are currently configured. BCT squadrons need modification, leader training and doctrine need updating, and "cavalry" needs to be put back into the "CAV".
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA513692
Entities
People
- M. R. Howell
Organizations
- Marine Corps University