Enhanced Abilities or Lost Chances? An Examination of the Howitzer Improvement Program's: Evolving Organization and Doctrine
Patrick C Sweeney
Synopsis "Enhanced Abilities or Lost Chances? An Examination of the Howitzer Improvement Program's: Evolving Organization and Doctrine"
This study analyzes the factors effecting the organization and employment of the U.S. Army's Howitzer Improvement Program (HIP). Since the semi-autonomous HIP evolved from the venerable M109 howitzer, the purpose of the study is to surface considerations that may otherwise be overlooked as a result of resistance to change. The analysis begins with an examination of the Soviet counterfire threat and its impact on the HIP's positioning. This initial data is further refined by including the HIP's technical considerations. The study continues with a consideration of the maneuver brigade's C3, in particular the impact of terrain management, and the constraints imposed by the Artillery's C3. The study concludes that the optimum HIP battery should contain nine HIPs organized in three platoons of three HIPS each. Based on this recommended organization, the study projects both new and enhanced roles for the direct support artillery battalion. Some of the potential artillery support roles are so inconsistent with current fire support doctrine that resistance to change is anticipated. Accordingly, the study closes with a caution for the professional soldier to keep an open mind when considering new concepts.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.
