Application of AirLand Battle Doctrine to Small Unit Tactics

<p>This study is an analysis of how to apply the fundamentals of AirLand Battle doctrine to the tactics of company and platoon level maneuver units. The fundamental tenets and imperatives of AirLand Battle doctrine described in FM 100-5 Operations are the basis for the development of U.S. Army tactical doctrine for all types of units at all echelons. The mechanized infantry company team is used as a representative U.S. Army unit and the German Army's 1917-1944 experience is used as a source for historical lessons learned. During this period the German Army constantly updated tactical doctrine and implemented new organizations and equipment to produce an extremely high degree of combat effectiveness. The study concludes that to be effective tactical doctrine should be based on sound time-tested fundamental principles and historical experience applied to modern conditions. Doctrine should be presented as guidance to prepare for combat and not as an inflexible formula which inhibits innovation and creativity. Doctrinal fundamentals must be thoroughly and uniformly understood and small units and soldiers must be capable of executing them. This can be accomplished by thorough training of units and leaders at all levels in doctrinal fundamentals and the dynamics of small unit training and operations.</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p><br>