This monograph examines the current U.S. doctrine regarding the role of firepower at the operational level. It reviews the most recent doctrinal guidance on this element of combat power and the historical underpinnings of this doctrine in the works...
General Richard O’Connor was the British VIII Corps commander in Normandy 1944. Previously he forged an outstanding reputation as a large unit commander in the desert of North Africa and this form suggests his command in Northwest Europe would be...
This monograph examines the U.S. Army's decision to eliminate Echo companies from the Heavy Division force structure. Since the introduction of the tank onto the modern battlefield the struggle between tank and anti-armor weapon has dominated the...
The advent of air power in the twentieth century combined with the industrialization of armed forces significantly increased the means and opportunities to interdict enemy resupply and movement. While much has been written on the subjects of...
The purpose of this monograph is to determine the factors necessary to conduct breakthrough operations. The categories of evidence that will be examined in this regard will consist of theory and military history related to successful breakthrough...
AirLand Battle doctrine introduced the operational level of war- the design and conduct of campaigns and major operations- to the U.S. Army. Operational art begins with operational planning. FM 100-5 identifies branches, sequels, and the employment...
This monograph examines the planning and preparations for the cross-channel invasion of France by joint and combined forces. It illustrates the dependence of operational maneuver upon operational logistics considerations in a campaign of...
The purpose of this paper is to employ an historical analysis of a campaign as a case study in order to examine the utility of military theory as a guide to decision making and campaign planning. Specifically, the paper uses the Normandy Campaign...
This thesis assesses the capability of mechanized and armored battalion task forces to conduct the breaching of obstacles in support of offensive operations. The study gives particular emphasis to analysis of the planning of breach operations at...
Volume II of II. This evaluation covers the effectiveness of air operations by examining the employment of aircraft, maintenance, service, supply, engineer, and defense organizations of combat units. Also it includes statistical data of the air...
United States. Army. Engineer Center and Fort Leonard Wood.
The Guidon came into being as a weekly publication in 1966 under the title Fort Leonard Wood Guidon. Between 1966 and 1987 the title was simplified to Guidon before becoming Essayons in 1988. The name reverted back to Guidon in 1999. It has been...
On 15 August 1944, an Allied army launched a second amphibious landing against the coast of southern France. The Allies, having shattered German defenses around the beachhead, decided to exploit the chaos in the enemy camp. On 17 August 1944, Major...
This study examines the viability of heavy (mechanized/armor) stay-behind forces in a deep maneuver role. A stay-behind force is a unit left behind an enemy advance to conduct a mission in the enemy rear after other friendly forces have withdrawn...
This monograph discusses the change in the use of mass by U.S. operational artists. As GEN Donn Starry observed, use of military force is based on certain operational concepts. If this is true and the traditional US concept of mass is in limited by...
This monograph seeks to determine under what conditions an operational commander might employ strategic airpower in his campaign design. This journey begins first by exploring the linkage between strategy, operations, and tactics. Next, U.S. Army...
This monograph concerns the adequacy of heavy brigade doctrine for meeting engagements. Specifically, it discusses how well FM 71-3, Armored and Mechanized Infantry Brigade, provides guidance for the preparation for and conduct of meeting...
This monograph examines current Army written doctrine to determine if it adequately incorporates risk. AirLand Battle Doctrine, as written, requires prudent risk taking and an atmosphere to support it. In order for the written doctrine concerning...
The purpose of this monograph is to provide a definition of operational fires, illustrate the concept with historical examples, and highlight doctrinal implications for the command and control of these fires. Operational fires are distinctly...
This paper discusses a role for the light infantry division in Central Europe during a mid- to high-intensity conflict, namely as a stay-behind force in a corps covering force area. The purpose of such a mission would be to disrupt the enemy's rear...