Transport Helicopters: The Achilles Heel of Maneuver Warfare

摘要

The Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) can not effectively conduct operational-level maneuver against a medium- to high-intensity threat with its current mix of assault transport helicopters. FMFM 1 describes the Marine Corps' doctrine on warfighting. Using the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF), the Marines hope to conduct maneuver warfare in the littorals of the globe. This paper reviews the concept of maneuver warfare and examines the ability of current Marine transport helicopter assets to support this concept. The paper also looks at the threat which faces today's helicopter-borne forces and the future potential of heliborne forces to support the concept of maneuver against the threat. Historical examples are cited to illuminate the threat and reiterate the logistical sustainment requirements inherent in maneuver warfare. The future of Marine Corps rotary wing aviation is not bright. Even the support of rear area operations on a linear battlefield is questionable after the year 2005. The Marine Corps cannot conduct operational-level maneuver warfare (as advertised in FMFM 1) with its current and projected inventory of transport rotorcraft.