What Are the Right Fire Support Requirements for Army Airborne Forced Entry Operations with the Changing Contemporary Operational Environment?

This thesis studies the use of fire support platforms for Army airborne operations conducted within the new operational environment. It focused on how field artillery can be a combat enabler for maneuver during forced entry operations (FEO). It is argued that the contemporary operational environment (COE) is more dangerous and less predictable than the previous operational environment of the Cold War. In this context the National Command Authority should maintain a rapid response forcible entry capability to set conditions for follow-on forces. Units such as the 82d Airborne Division and Rangers can lead the effort in FEOs. When a maneuver commander conducts an FEO he visualizes how the operation will unfold. As part of his visualization he must consider what is the right fire support requirement to help achieve success. Currently the maneuver commander is supported by AC-130 gunships to different types of airborne field artillery and mortar units. In order for him to achieve success he must decide on the right combination of versatility firepower and maneuver within the different capabilities of each fire support platform. This thesis analyzes the comparison of criteria for these systems. This allows the maneuver commander and staff to decide on the right fire support platform to conduct FEOs.