Tactical Deception Capabilities in the Heavy Division

<p>This study examines tactical deception capabilities in the U.S. Army. The research question asks what should be the capabilities of the heavy division in Europe to perform tactical deception in defensive operations? The study first analyzes the theory of deception from the writings of Mao Sun Tzu Clausewitz Liddell Hart and Barton Whaley to determine what theory says our capabilities should be. Next it traces the U.S. Army's development and use of deception from history. Theoretically and historically-derived capabilities to deceive at the tactical level are contrasted to current U.S. and Soviet doctrine. This background in theory history and doctrine is then compared to contemporary evidence of U.S. tactical deception efforts of divisions employed in European REFORGER exercises. The final sections draw conclusions and implications concerning tactical deception in the U.S. Army focusing upon the areas of doctrine training resources and command and staff processes. This study concludes there is a significant gap between what should be and what actually is a U.S. division's capability to perform tactical deception in the defense. Doctrinally although the new FM 90-2 (draft) makes major improvements our Army lacks an Army-level proponent for deception. Furthermore deception doctrine is inconsistently incorporated into our general doctrine and the relationship between surprise deception and OPSEC remains unclear. Moreover our doctrine does not specifically establish deception standards or capabilities in which divisions must be proficient. Second the training and assignment of the 17-man deception element to division and corps will not be completed for two years. The study concludes that there are serious shortcomings of incorporating deception instruction within TRADOC institutions tactical exercises and wargames at division level. Deception is not included in unit ARTEPS METLs or training guidance. Third although the Army specifies future TAC-D</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>