Optimizing the Unit of Action Based Mechanized Infantry Division for High Intensity Conflict

摘要

The Chief of Staff of the Army (CSA) has initiated a series of actions to ensure that the Army remains relevant and ready: a joint focused force with an expeditionary mindset. Among his principle initiatives is an effort to immediately create a more agile lethal and joint capable force organized around a concept of modular brigade size Units of Action (UA). The CSA has tasked the 3rd Infantry Division (Mechanized) to internally reorganize the division during FY04 from its current three maneuver Brigade Combat Team (BCT) configuration into an organization with up to five Brigade sized (UA) while maintaining the capability to deploy and fight across the full spectrum of conflict. In concept the reorganized UA's when provided enhanced Command Control Communications Computers Intelligence Reconnaissance and Surveillance (C4ISR) systems and access to joint fires capabilities will be at least as lethal as the current BCT structure fought very successfully by the 3rd Infantry Division (Mechanized) during Operation Iraqi Freedom. However the reorganized division will not be equipped with new combat systems and given the probable challenges of providing new C4ISR systems in the near term the aggregate combat capability of the division will most likely remain unchanged. While a strong case can be made that the division can quickly adapt its new structure for employment in Stability or Support operations the question of how well a newly reorganized Mechanized Infantry Division can fight in a High Intensity Conflict environment is not as easily apparent. This paper will analyze the maneuver firepower and information elements of combat power to assess the ability of a UA based Mechanized Infantry Division to successfully fight on the potential high intensity battlefield during the next 5-10 years.