Fixing What Was Not Broken: A Future for Fires

Abstract

The most sensitive instrument of national power used to achieve national objectives is the Military. The critical missions the Nation deems a priority, will be carried out by our Service men and women at home and abroad. Therefore, it is up to the Nation and its military leaders to effectively lead and resource its military, setting the conditions to accomplish those missions set before them. To this end, the Fires community must shape its capabilities to confront future threats. As the Nation begins to close out operations in Afghanistan over the next couple of years, the Field Artillery (FA) branch needs to anticipate future requirements and ways in which to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the branch. Considering the fiscally demanding environment that currently exists, previous predictions that laid the foundation for future programs and force design approved years ago must be readdressed. What was important then, may not be important now. In addressing this issue, this essay examines fire support training and organization and the role of conventional artillery munitions. These issues affect the entire Army and must be addressed in a responsible manner now in order to plan for tomorrow and the future of Fires.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 01, 2012
Accession Number
ADA561975

Entities

People

  • Dennis C. Smith

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Ammunition
  • Artillery
  • Artillery Ammunition
  • Artillery Units
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Fire Support
  • Indirect Fire
  • Management Personnel
  • Military Science
  • Munitions
  • Personnel Management
  • Precision-Guided Munitions
  • Training
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare
  • Weapons Effects

Readers

  • Economics
  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.
  • Systems Analysis and Design