Enhanced Army Airborne Forces: A New Joint Operational Capability
Abstract
This report was written as part of a project entitled Joint Operational Concepts for an Uncertain Future. The focus of the research became an effort to assess the challenges that U.S. Army airborne forces may face in the future and identify capabilities airborne forces will need to effectively address those challenges. This report summarizes threats to the current U.S. airborne force and explores the concept of an airborne light armored infantry force as a possible means to mitigate those threats. Additionally, the report examines possible vehicle options for such a concept, as well as joint requirements that the concept might generate, particularly in terms of the amount of airlift that an Army airborne unit with an increased number of vehicles could require. The research also examines potential uses for such an airborne light armored infantry force, advantages and disadvantages of the new concept, and issues related to implementation. Importantly, the research focused on near-term options (the next three to five years) to improve the capabilities of today s airborne forces.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2014
- Accession Number
- ADA617140
Entities
People
- Agnes Gereben Schaefer
- Caroline Baxter
- David A. Shlapak
- Elizabeth Tencza
- John Gordon Iv
- Michael Mcgee
- Scott Boston
- Todd Nichols
Organizations
- RAND Corporation