Synopsis "Brigade Organization and the AirLand Battle"
This monograph investigates the ability of heavy brigades to conduct AirLand Battle. The investigation takes three paths. The first is a development of organizational theory for combat units. In theory there are a finite number of factors which influence organizational design. These are doctrine, training, leadership, control systems, objectives, forces available, forces opposed, characteristics of warfare, and relationships to higher echelon organizations. The second path examines the theory as it applies to the evolution of World War II infantry divisions. The changes in the infantry divisions show trends toward decentralizing combat, combat support, and combat service support units to lower levels, greater self-sufficiency in lower echelon units, and greater sustainability in lower echelon units. The final path compares the theoretical factors influencing organizational design against today's brigade organization. This comparison finds shortfalls in today's organization which need correction. This lack of agility, sustainability, control, and combined arms training standout as major shortcomings. The monograph concludes that brigades should permanently contain units of all combat, combat support, and combat service support functions. The balance of these units should provide self-sufficiency in combat operations and sustainment for reasonable periods of time.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.
