Fighting the Close Fight with Fires: An Operational Analysis of the Brigade FireSupport Paradigm

摘要

This study debates the close fire support system's doctrine, organization andmateriel shortcomings which inhibit the operational effectiveness of fire and maneuver synchronization. It reveals major disconnects between professed and resourced fire support capability, and argues that doctrine, tactics, techniques and procedural fixes alone won't solve the most demanding fire support synchronization deficiency--the trigger of timely, and accurate fires. The study focuses on 'how to fight' the close fight with fires, and recommends changes to the brigade fire support paradigm which increase effectiveness of fire support and simplify synchronization of fire and maneuver.