Clash of Independent Wills: How Effective Is Brigade Doctrine for MeetingEngagements

摘要

This monograph concerns the adequacy of heavy brigade doctrine for meetingengagements. Specifically, it discusses how well FM 71-3, Armored and Mechanized Infantry Brigade, provides guidance for the preparation for and conduct of meeting engagements. Army doctrine tends to regard meeting engagements as the result of mistakes and avoidable. This monograph concludes that this view is misguided and has a negative effect on heavy brigade doctrine. Theorists examined include Clausewitz, Simpkin, Fuller, Sun Tzu, and Tukhachevskiy. With this theoretical base, the monograph examines historical examples from both World War II and the Yom Kippur War to determine whether the theory is supported by experience. Finally, the monograph analyses FM 71-3 using criteria established in FM 100-5, Operations. These criteria are: seize the initiative early; develop the situation and initiate maneuver rapidly; attack violently and resolutely; and maintain momentum by synchronizing the actions of combat, combat support, and combat service support elements.