United States Army Wartime Replacement System

<p>One of the most fundamental elements in developing combat power in tactical units is cohesion. In wartime most armies have sought to enhance unit cohesion in order to increase their combat power. Historically armies have found that their wartime replacement system is the critical link between raw manpower and cohesive fighting units. This monograph describes the challenge faced by modern armies which must attempt to maintain tactical unit cohesion in the face of relentless combat attrition. The historical examples of the American and German Armies in World War II are examined to determine what effects their respective replacement systems had on unit cohesion. The current U.S. Army wartime replacement system is examined to determine if it is structured to maintain tactical unit cohesion in wartime. The conclusions of this monograph suggest that U.S. Army replacement system has not in the past and cannot in the future maintain unit cohesion in wartime. Five specific conclusions suggest ways in which the army might improve its wartime replacement system enabling it to foster unit cohesion at the tactical level.</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>