Mass vertical envelopment (airborne) operations : a critical capability in the army after next
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Authors
Nobbe, Paul N.
Subjects
Advisors
Tucker, David C.
Date of Issue
2002-06
Date
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
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Abstract
The purpose of this thesis is to review the viability of mass airborne operations in the context of today's modern war environment, specifically in a Major Regional Contingency (MRC) scenario as outlined in the most current Quadrennial Defense Review. My definition of a mass airborne operation is an operation conducted by a unit of brigade/regiment size or larger. I analyzed thirteen mass airborne operations, conducted by several nations and in several regions of the world, and determined that the success rate of these operations was only marginal. I also analyzed the U.S. Air Force's total lift capability, compared that against the MTM/D requirements as determined by the QDR, and decremented that total by the airlift required to support the 82nd Airborne Division. Overall, USAF is not prepared to conduct both missions simultaneously. I then evaluated the critical and unique nature of the 82nd Airborne, as compared to the other light divisions and the 75th Ranger Regiment, and concluded that for the missions assigned, the overall airborne force that the U.S. Army maintains is too large, and could be reduced to fulfill its missions, thereby freeing up much needed resources for the remainder of the force.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
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Organization
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
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NPS Report Number
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Format
xvi, 89 p. : ill., maps ;
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This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.