the airborne division.
Additionally, we will consider how the airborne
division functions with respect to the Army's AirLand Battle doctrine.
The Mission of the Airborne Division
If you will recall from discussion of the heavy division, it had as part of
its mission statement:
"to destroy threat armed forces and control land
area including populations and resources."
To a large extent this is
applicable to the airborne division as well.
However, in the US Army of
Excellence, the airborne division has a unique role which is reflected in
its mission.
Unlike the heavy division, the airborne division is more
suited for operations in a low-intensity or mid-intensity environment.
In accordance with its mission, the airborne division will:
o
Move by air and airborne assault to seize and hold assigned
objectives. To close with the enemy and destroy or capture him
in a low-intensity or mid-intensity conflict until ground linkup
can be accomplished or until reinforced by air or surface
landing.
o
Move by air and, when reinforced, by airborne assault to seize
and hold assigned objectives in high-intensity operational
environments.
o
Execute small-scale, airborne,
commando-type
operations
to
perform selected missions.
o
Move by air on short notice to any oversea land areas to deter or
resist an aggressor.
The Airborne Division as a Rapid Deployable Force.
The mission of the
airborne division is oriented toward rapidly deploying anywhere in the world
on short notice to:
o
Secure critical installations or facilities.
o
Reinforce US and Allied forces.
o
Conduct a show of force.
The airborne division is unique to the Army of Excellence for two reasons.
First, there is only one of its kind. Second, it can be rapidly deployed.
These factors add an extra dimension to the AirLand Battle doctrine. The
vertical dimension is referred to as parachute delivery.
The vertical
dimension complements the US Army's ability to fight in all dimensions on
the extended battlefield.
The airborne division can be employed to "air
drop" into the enemy's rear.
This is executed to secure key or decisive
terrain in conjunction with ground maneuver forces.
At the strategic and
the operational level, this enhances our AirLand Battle deep strike
capability.
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