Battery Defense: Not Just The Last Resort

摘要

This monograph analyzes the methodology of perimeter defense for artillery unitsin OOTW situations. The battery perimeter is not the same as a standard maneuver defensive position. The battery has more than one mission and considerably fewer soldiers to man perimeter fighting positions. The generally circular nature of the perimeter changes where and how fields of fire interlock, especially from the doctrinal fighting position. The battery commander must account for these differences in his planning before occupying the position. The monograph first examines the current procedures used to select and occupy an artillery position. The defense, as outlined in Field Manual 6-50, is then examined as it relates to an OOTW situation. Historical lessons learned from Vietnam and modern OOTW deployments are then examined. The lessons of these historical situations are then analyzed for appropriate methods of defending a static position against various threats. Key to the defense is an understanding of the relationships between the systems, sectors of fire, and force protection measures. A greater number of perimeter positions are required to overcome the restricted fields of fire inherent in the doctrinal two-man position. The battery, with its limited personnel, has difficulty manning enough positions to effectively secure itself using the standard position. The battery can do better at defense if it realizes its limitations and plans the defense before occupation. This allows the commander to position all his systems to both support the defense and indirect fire missions. After analyzing the position, changes in Doctrine, Organization, Materiel, and Training are then recommended. In conclusion, the battery should be able to defeat most OOTW threats if the defense is adequately prepared.