Wheels for the Future: Should the U.S. Army Adopt an Armored Wheeled System

摘要

This monograph discusses the importance of wheeled armored systems for the USArmy's future force design. Operational ideas require future forces be designed for rapid strategic deployability, high lethality, operational mobility, survivability, versatility, and sustainability. It becomes a question of the tactical requirements that dictate whether the characteristics inherent in wheels or tracks better suits achievement of the intended results. The monograph briefly examines the current European situation and provides assessment on selected regional areas which crises may occur. Next, a comparison with Sir Julian Corbett's maritime fleet constitution draws corollaries from his theories of specialization, functions, and complexities. Next, an historical perspective examines the successes and failures of the following: the US Army's use of armored wheeled systems (the armored car and tank destroyer), the United States States Marine Corps' LAV-25 program, and the French experience in Chad.