Exploiting Combat Experience: The U.S. Forces European Theater Study of Mechanized Cavalry Units

摘要

The U.S. Forces European Theater General Board study of mechanized cavalry units illustrates how a systemic study of combat experience can guide interconnected changes to military doctrine, organizations, and equipment. The General Board conducted its study of mechanized cavalry units between September 1945 and January 1946. The study's final report recommended that the Army create a corps cavalry regiment that would perform the full range of traditional horse cavalry missions, including reconnaissance, security, offensive combat, defensive combat, and special operations. In early 1946, planners designing the force structure of the U.S. Zone Constabulary based the design of the constabulary regiments upon the organization proposed by the General Board. The General Board study of mechanized cavalry units also influenced post-war boards that proposed changes to the doctrine, organization, and equipment of future armored units. In 1948, Army Field Forces created a new type of unit, the Armored Cavalry Regiment (Light). The design of this organization, the selection of its equipment, and its doctrine were guided by the recommendations from the General Board study. This type of regiment was unusual; the U.S. Army was the only NATO or Warsaw Pact country to organize a corps cavalry regiment with a broad mission profile rather than relying upon smaller units designed strictly for reconnaissance. Armored Cavalry Regiments remained part of the U.S. Army's force structure until 2011. Thus, the General Board's recommendations had a significant long-term influence on the U.S. Army. The work of the General Board illustrates a way to study doctrine, organization, and equipment comprehensively in light of recent combat experience and demonstrates the value that such a study can have for the Army.