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U.S. Department of Energy
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Operational level of war fire-support role for the operational-level commander. Study project

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6843725

In recent years there has been an increasing emphasis and awareness of the conduct of warfare at the operational level. As a result, the role of the operational-level commander has been the focus of much discussion and study. One area, among many, in which the role of the operational-level commander is expanding is that of fire support. This study examines the role of this commander in the area of operational fire support, using the Commander Central Army Group as the example. The study examines the appropriateness of providing operational level commanders with an organization and a deep-strike field-artillery weapons system to facilitate attack of targets at operational depths. The study provides some background information on concerns posed by the Intermediate Range Nuclear Force Treaty, as well as a discussion of key terms concerning the operational level of war, and operational fires. It also explores the types of targets the operational-level commander is interested in attacking, the characteristics of deep-attack weapons systems, target-acquisition requirements, a proposed fire-support organization and command relationships. Finally, the study draws some conclusions and makes recommendations concerning operational fires.

Research Organization:
Air War Coll., Maxwell AFB, AL (USA)
OSTI ID:
6843725
Report Number(s):
AD-A-194054/3/XAB
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English