Enhanced Abilities or Lost Chances: An Examination of the Howitzer Improvement Program's (HIP) Evolving Organization and Doctrine

摘要

This study analyzes factors effecting the organization and employment of the U.S. Army's Howitzer Improvement Program (HIP). Since the semi-autonomous HIP evolved from the venerable M109 howitzer, the purpose of the study is to surface considerations that may otherwise be overlooked as a result resistance to change. The analysis begins with an examination of the Soviet counterfire threat and its impact on the HIP's positioning. This initial data is further refined by including the HIP's technical considerations. The study continues with a consideration of the maneuver brigade's C3, in particular the impact of terrain management, and the constraints imposed by the Artillery's C3. The study concludes that the optimum HIP battery should contain nine HIPs organized in three platoons of three HIPs each. Based on this recommended organization, the study projects both new and enhanced roles for the direct support artillery battalion. Some of the potential artillery support roles are so inconsistent with current fire support doctrine that resistance to change is anticipated. Accordingly, the study closes with a caution for the professional soldier to keep an open mind when considering new concepts.