Commanders and planners must never overlook a key tactical generalization
with regard to airborne forces and their capabilities. By this we mean that
once on the ground, the airborne division fights like the infantry division
against threat forces. This must be done whether in a low, medium, or high
intensity combat environment. Therefore, planners must take the necessary
steps to ensure combat support and combat service support augmentation as
required.
While the airborne division has certain capabilities, it also has specific
limitations. We will consider the limitations of the airborne division in
the discussion that follows.
Limitations of the Airborne Division
When committing such forces against a hostile threat, the airborne division
has limitations that must be taken into account.
Some of the specific
limitations are listed below:
o
It is dependent on Air Force aircraft for long-range movement
and, to some extent, for fire support and resupply.
o
It possesses
limited
ground
mobility
for
both
personnel
and
equipment.
o
It possesses limited NBC and conventional fires protection for
both personnel and equipment (this limitation is the same for a
non-airborne infantry battalion).
Airborne Division Organization
Now that we have discussed the mission, capabilities, and limitations of the
airborne division, let us briefly review the organization of the division
under the current L-series TOE.
As previously mentioned, the airborne
division is designed to be rapidly deployed.
Figure 11 illustrates the
airborne division.
There is only one such division in the Army of
Excellence force structure. Under the L-series TOE, the Airborne Division
includes an Aviation Battalion (AVN BDE). An air cavalry squadron has been
added to the AVN BDE.
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