Role of the Airmechanized Raid in Operational Maneuver

<p>This monograph examines the potential contribution of an airmechanized raid to operational maneuver in a NATO environment. Defining airmechanization as the integration into the land battle of a major rotary-wing element the monograph uses the current U.S. Army force structure to organize the raiding force. The effect of the raid is examined within the functional areas enumerated in the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command's (TRADOC) draft Blueprint of the Battlefield at the Operational Level of War: command and control intelligence movement and maneuver protection fires and support. The monograph begins with an introduction that defines the relevant terms. Then it presents a brief historical perspective on the raid in operational maneuver. A theory chapter explores the relationship between depth density and maneuver in order to understand the evolution of the airmechanization concept as expressed in both the Simpkin and the Soviet models. Finally the monograph uses a NATO scenario to evaluate the contribution of an airmechanized raid in an operational maneuver. An appendix provides the calculations used in determining the raid's effect. The monograph concludes that the airmechanized raid can facilitate operational maneuver by using the airmechanized force's mobility to secure a position of advantage and to attack enemy operational reserves more effectively than airpower. The airmechanized raid however remains a theoretical and doctrinal mission as yet unproven by practical experience.</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>