Potential Into Power: The King of Battle's Transformation into the 21st Century

摘要

This monograph discusses the impact of emerging artillery technologies on thedevelopment of combat power. The technologies specifically focused on are those associated with the artillery's future weapon system, the Crusader, and the munitions that it will likely employ. Using the elements of combat power, as described in Brigadier General Huba Wass de Czege's paper, 'Understanding and Developing Combat Power,' (1984), the monograph identifies both contributions and some unidentified outcomes of these technologies in achieving maximum combat power. The monograph first examines the contributions of emerging technologies and clearly shows the significant effects that technology will have on increasing combat power. The firepower effects that the Crusader will contribute are especially noteworthy. Following the discussion of technological contributions, the challenges to maximizing combat power that result from emerging technology are discussed. Key among these challenges are: costs of technological advancements; difficulties of command, control, and communications; and issues of terrain management. The primary conclusion is that the real ability to leverage technology and increase combat power lies with the ability to develop what FM 100-5 states is 'the most essential dynamic of combat power,' the leadership element. However, technology tends to focus on the firepower element, and to a lesser extent, the maneuver and protection elements. Emerging artillery technologies will challenge the abilities of junior leaders to maintain technical proficiency and lead centralized organizations with decentralized methods across a widely dispersed battlefield. The army must remember that technology merely provides a better tool. The key is to provide a doctrine that will allow soldiers to use those tools to maximize combat power.