A Look at Soviet Deep Operations: Is There an Amphibious Operational Maneuver Group in the Marine Corps' Future?
Abstract
What is the feasibility of adapting the concepts of Soviet deep operations theory to future Marine Corps and joint operations? This paper is based on the supposition that the future employment of U.S. military forces will be in joint operations focused against third world threats. The current trend of proliferation of high-technology weapons to third world countries will result in many nations that have small, but modern, forces with high battlefield leverage. Faced with less resources, more potent threats, and the need to win quickly, future joint commanders will be required to employ their forces with imagination. To win, they must seize the initiative early and hold it to the end. This paper suggests that a joint doctrine that emphasizes the full potential of deep operations to impact battle on an operational level provides the means to rapidly defeat the enemy. The paper examines the feasibility of adapting the more prescriptive Soviet deep operations doctrine for use in future U.S. joint campaigns. To determine the feasibility of using Soviet deep operations doctrine as a template for a more thorough U.S. deep operations doctrine, the development and features of Soviet deep battle and deep operations theory are explored to identify lessons learned. The Soviet Manchurian Campaign of August 1945 is examined to validate this theory. The theory of deep operations, as manifested by an amphibious operational maneuver group, is then evaluated to determine its applicability to future Marine Corps amphibious operations. The United States should adopt a joint doctrine, similar to that envisioned by the Soviets in the late 1980s, that emphasizes the full potential of deep operations to impact battle on an operational level, and provides the means to rapidly defeat the enemy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA527722
Entities
People
- Elvis E. Blumenstock
Organizations
- Marine Corps University