Smoke and Obscurant Operations in a Joint Environment.

摘要

Throughout this century, smoke and obscurant operations played a major role in military operations. American Forces found many uses for this combat multiplier. From smoke pots and smoke generators to smoke rounds projected from mortar tubes, smoke and obscurant operations significantly affected battlefield conditions. Smoke and obscurant operations are not new to US military operations. In fact, they played a key role in the protection of military assets throughout this century. The United States Army experimented with smoke and obscurants during World War I, then used them extensively during World War II. Additionally, Navy and Air Force personnel used smoke and obscurants across the spectrum of military operations. The Air Force used smoke to mark targets and control flights in mid-air, while the Navy used smoke to conceal vessels at sea and protect them from air attacks. Examining operations during several conflicts throughout our history shows that smoke operations supported river crossings, obstacle emplacements, screened troop movements, and concealed towns and cities during bombing raids. The focus of this paper is on smoke and obscurants as a combat multiplier in Joint Operations. Understanding the historical and current uses of smoke and obscurants by the different services is the basis for determining future requirements for smoke and obscurant operations in the 21st Century.