Tactical Survivability

This monograph analyzes the capability of U.S. Army combat engineers to provide responsive survivability support to AirLand battle tactical operations. The discussion compares the abilities of the current engineer force with the protection requirements of the maneuver force. This issue is important because our AirLand Battle doctrine cannot be executed if our forces do not survive the lethality of the modern battleground. This monograph examines survivability concepts and requirements and investigates the best methods for attaining the degree of protection necessary to preserve the combat potential of the fighting force. The discussion begins with a consideration of the theoretical and doctrinal aspects of protection and survivability. The focus of analysis is on the heavy division in middle to high intensity operations. The importance of assessing prudent tactical survivability requirements is supported by a review of unit experiences and lessons learned at the National Training Center. The Soviet Army engineer force and its historically-oriented approach to protection is contrasted with the American combat engineer experience to illustrate the serious deficiency in survivability capability in our army today. The monograph concludes with an assessment of the current and future requirements for tactical protection measures and a recommendation on the best courses of action to pursue. The study suggests that to be effective on the AirLand battlefield, defensive survivability measures must support a decisive transition to offensive operations.