Appreciation for Moving the Heavy Corps -- The First Step in Learning the Art of Operational Maneuver

摘要

This monograph discusses the importance of understanding time and distance factors when planning the operational movement of large units over great distances. Such road movements are complex and require a great deal of time to complete, and the commander and staff must be well versed in conducting them. This monograph examines those time and distance factors and shows how important they are in driving operational planning. The monograph first examines a historical example of such an operational move, specifically the northward shift of elements of Patton's Third U.S. Army in December 1944 to counter the German Ardennes Offensive. Next, the hypothetical movement of a modern Army-of-Excellence heavy corps is portrayed. Then the movement of a modern Soviet combined arms army is depicted and its formations are compared to their U.S. counterparts. In all cases complete roadmarch data is computed, and specific orders of battle and march data are included in the appendixes to the monograph.