Mobility versus Firepower: A Case for Reviving the Light Direct Support Artillery Battalion
Abstract
Marine artillery is too heavy and lacks the mobility and flexibility to maintain momentum with supported light maneuver units; Artillery must match the mobility of maneuver in order to accomplish its mission. The Expeditionary Fire Support System with the M327 120mm rifled mortar needs to replace the M777 155mm towed howitzer system in direct support artillery battalions of the Marine Corps in order to increase mobility and bridge the growing gap between artillery and infantry. The bottom line is that mobility in the complex and hybrid nature of wars the United States finds itself in today trumps firepower. Simply stated, the Marine Corps can not afford to invest too much on heavy artillery systems that struggle to make it to the battlefield in time to be decisive. Marine artillery is hampered by a lack of light direct support artillery battalions. It struggles to maintain momentum with supported light maneuver units in high tempo expeditionary operations. Marine artillery needs to return to fielding both light direct support and medium to heavy general support artillery battalions to remain relevant in future operations called for in Marine Corps Vision and Strategy 2025.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 19, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA600521
Entities
People
- Bradley S. Pennella
Organizations
- Marine Corps University