Tactical Deception in the Corps: The Design and Employment of the Corps DeceptionBattalion

摘要

This study assumes the need for a dedicated unit organized and trained to supportcorps-level deception operations in multiple environments. The research question asks what is the best organization and methods of employment of a unit exclusively committed to executing tactical deception operations in support of the corps. The study first analyzes the value of deception through statistical studies and then examines successful applications of deception formations by the Soviets in World War II. An evaluation of the US Army's 23d Special troops in the ETO brings the study of deception back into the American arena where it is traced through the decades between World War II and the 1980's. The fielding of deception equipment and deception cells in the late 1980's leads to the discussion of the need for a dedicated deception organization on the modern battlefield. This study concludes that the introduction of a Corps Deception Battalion into the force structure will provide a combat force multiplier of immense value. The fielding of Battlefield Deception Cells in corps and divisions was merely a first step in bringing deception back into Army thought and planning. The Corps Deception Battalion would provide the fundamental resource for all corps deception plans. The value to corps tactical operations would greatly exceed its cost to the Army in terms of manpower and equipment.