Birth of Modern Counterfire: The British and American Experience in World War I.

摘要

This study investigates the original needs for and development of counterfire techniques in World War I. Concentrating on the experience of the British and the Americans, the examination explores techniques of counterfire and their failures or successes. The study concludes that several techniques were necessary in World War I to suppress enemy artillery. First, efforts to destroy enemy artillery before battles were not as successful as efforts to neutralize it for the duration of the battle. Second, the enormity of details made competent staff work critical. Third, the intelligence procedures developed in position warfare were insufficient to suppress enemy artillery as the battle line moved forward. Finally, artillery organization and control must be centralized. The study also identifies two techniques necessary to exploit successful counterfire. First, surprise over the enemy would invariably gain the initiative. Second, counterfire must be integrated into the overall fire plan and the infantry scheme of maneuver.