Value of Field Fortifications in Modern Warfare, Volume 1

摘要

A qualitative and quantitative analysis of the functions, performance and effects of field fortifications was made in 14 combat operations in World War II and the October 1973 War and in four variants of one hypothetical combat example positing the defense of the US V Corps zone -- the Fulda Gap area of Western Germany -- in a surprise Warsaw Pact offensive against NATO forces, with and without the use of nuclear weapons. HERO's Quantified Judgment Method of Analysis of Historical Combat (QJMA), its computer-assisted simulation of combat, the Quantified Judgment Model (QJM), and its Tactical Nuclear Sub-Model (TNSM) were used as analytic tools. The analyses show quantitatively that, historically, field fortifications have invariably enhance the combat capabilities of defenders in modern combat operations and substantially slowed the rated of advance of attackers. Similar results are derived for the hypothetical surprise attack in the US V Corps zone. Deterrence and operational implications for NATO are pointed out, and conclusions are drawn. These include quantitative conclusions based on the results of the QJM analyses.