The Evolution and Relative Effectiveness of the Interim Brigade Combat Team
Medium Brigade Flaws, and the Cure: The IBCT Revisited
The first article is worth the read. It points out flaws in the concepts and actually wargame it out.
The second article detracts greatly and misses several points - that the M113 variant is no more survivable than the LAV III is and is much more vulnerable to minestrikes.
If the M113 were in place instead of the LAV III, we would be hearing its flaws today as well. Neither is a Bradley.
My own personal view is that the IBCT is missing only one thing to make it a decisive force - a battalion of tanks but the lift issue is currently the show stopper.
The I/SBCT is going to die a slow death. 3-7Cav proved that a much smaller but heavier force can do everything the IBCT is slated to do - that of an initial entry force.
The British/Canadian/Australian examples have shown that you can go medium without sacraficing combat power and not all the bde need to arrive within 72 hours. The tank bn is the calvary. It is mighty unchivalrious to arrive ahead of schedule. Just in the nick of time would do nicely.
Medium Brigade Flaws, and the Cure: The IBCT Revisited
The first article is worth the read. It points out flaws in the concepts and actually wargame it out.
The second article detracts greatly and misses several points - that the M113 variant is no more survivable than the LAV III is and is much more vulnerable to minestrikes.
If the M113 were in place instead of the LAV III, we would be hearing its flaws today as well. Neither is a Bradley.
My own personal view is that the IBCT is missing only one thing to make it a decisive force - a battalion of tanks but the lift issue is currently the show stopper.
The I/SBCT is going to die a slow death. 3-7Cav proved that a much smaller but heavier force can do everything the IBCT is slated to do - that of an initial entry force.
The British/Canadian/Australian examples have shown that you can go medium without sacraficing combat power and not all the bde need to arrive within 72 hours. The tank bn is the calvary. It is mighty unchivalrious to arrive ahead of schedule. Just in the nick of time would do nicely.
Comment