Publisher's Synopsis
As the military continues transformation and focuses on capabilities-based organizations to meet guidance provided in the National Security Strategy and The Quadrennial Defense Review, the Army is in position to redefine operational maneuver. Currently, the Army does not conduct operational maneuver with mechanized forces using inter- or intra-theater lift because of the limitations of the current force. The weight of our heavy forces limits the ability to attack the enemy throughout the operational depth of the battlespace with ground maneuver forces. As the Army transitions to a Future Combat System (FCS) equipped force, the possibilities for operational maneuver by armored forces can grow exponentially. A lighter force possessing the same lethality of the Army's current heavy force can provide numerous options to support operational maneuver. The purpose of this monograph is to prove the Army can redefine operational maneuver with the FCS and support of the Joint Force. As we look forward on the ability of the FCS to redefine operational maneuver there are examples throughout history which display how major changes in warfare where developed through new and innovative applications of the technology available. The primacy of maneuver over firepower was established at the beginning of World War II. In order for the FCS to redefine operational maneuver the Army must be successful in the Joint Fight. Failure to dominate in this area will prevent the setting of the conditions that allow the FCS a tactical system to have operational and strategic success. The author proposes the formation of a new force known as the Air Ground Expeditionary Force (AGEF) which will provide Combatant Commanders with an air and ground capability for operations in their respective area of operations. This force will establish habitual relationships between AEF's and UA's identified as early deploying units. The AEF provides a strike capability but in order to take full advantage of the rapid deployability of the FCS equipped UA inter-theater assets are required. The failure to form this new force does not prevent the redefining of operational maneuver through execution using intra and inter-theater lift to move a FCS equipped Unit of Action although such a force will provide Combatant Commanders a Joint Force capable of both ground and air operations.Enhanced with automatic summarization, keyword identification, and wordcloud by PageKicker Robot Fast Heinz.
