Adaptation to Change: U.S. Army Cavalry Doctrine and Mechanization, 1938-1945

摘要

Change and innovation are issues that constantly confront an organization likethe Army. During certain periods, the currents of change seem stronger than others. Today the Army confronts the Information Age revolution and a transition into a new century, while simultaneously executing more missions with fewer resources. From 1938-1945, the United States Army transitioned from the interwar period, through peacetime mobilization, to wage a successful global conflict. This study examines a microcosm of the Army then, one that confronted fundamental change in mechanization, the Cavalry branch. Instead of focusing on the creation of the Armored Force and evolution of tank doctrine, this monograph examines mechanized cavalry doctrine as practiced by reconnaissance groups and squadrons in the European theater. Initially, articles and books concerning organizational change were used to create a model for successful adaptation. Then the research included Field Service Regulations (FM 100-5); Cavalry Field Manuals, Cavalry School publications, doctrinal articles in Military Review, and a large selection of articles from Cavalry Journal. The method was to identify both official doctrine, and the commentary and ideas that accompanied doctrine's practice and evolution, in comparison to standards for successful organizational change.