The third form is more complex and difficult to achieve.
It requires
engaging follow-on echelons with firepower and maneuver forces while the
close-in battle is being fought. This prevents the enemy from massing. It
also deprives him of the momentum upon which he depends. It subjects his
whole force to destruction. This form of attack depends upon the impact of
combined arms action to achieve its effects. It requires close coordination
between the air and ground systems.
Aspects of Deep Battle
Deep battle is the most misunderstood portion of AirLand Battle.
Deep
battle is waged between the forward line of own troops (FLOT), and when
established, a forward phase line. Who does what to whom and when?
Deep battle involves two aspects, targeting and striking. It is most always
essential that a phase line for control not be beyond the targeting range of
the unit involved. The unit could be a corps, division, or brigade. But,
it is not essential that the unit concerned be capable of striking all the
way to the phase line. This latter point does, however, remain desirable.
In other words, the unit must be able to "see" the entire deep battle area.
It may not be able to physically "hit" all of the area concerned.
The phase line and the extent of the deep battle area is not determined by a
fixed time or distance template.
It is based on the factors of mission,
enemy, terrain, troops, and time available (METT-T). It should be evident
that this deep battle area (and the enemy forces within it) will vary for
corps, division, and brigade. The corps has organic and supporting assets
that will extend further to meet the enemy than do those organizations below
it. Hence the statement that corps is the focal point for deep battle.
Summary
The Army's doctrine distinguishes three levels of war:
o
Strategic.
o
Operational.
o
Tactical.
These levels
of war are the broad divisions of activity which deal with the
planning and
conduct of war.
There are distinctions between the levels.
There is not
a fine line drawn between the concepts. The levels of war form
a spectrum.
The defeat of the enemy is their primary goal.
The levels
of
war
are
directly
involved
with
three
types
of
combat
operations:
o
Engagements.
o
Battles.
o
Campaigns.
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IS7000
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