This monograph addresses how combined arms organizations should be formed in our Army today. Specifically, it focuses on the question, "what arms, if any, should be combined organically at battalion level?" This issue is important because our AirLand Battle doctrine considers combined arms to be essential to winning on the modern battlefield. Therefore, we should investigate the best means by which to maximize the potential of the organizations. The monograph first examines the theoretical foundation for combined arms. Next, both historical and contemporary evidence are examined to derive a set of criteria that can be used to analyze the four selected arms: infantry, armor, artillery, and engineer in terms of the AirLand battlefield environment. The five selected criteria are frequency of interaction, competence of commander to synchronize the effects of weapon systems, scarcity of resources, cope of tactical missions, and similarity in range and mobility. These criteria are key factors that should be used whenever determining how an organization should be structured organically. Conclusions concerning the structure of a combined arms battalion are drawn from an analysis of these dominant criteria. This monograph concludes that infantry and armor are the only two arms that should be combined organically at battalion level. By combining these two arms permanently, it is almost certain that the combat potential of the organizations will increase.
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.
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.
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.
