Posted on Oct 12, 2016
Yes, Mass Airborne Operations are a Thing of the Past - Modern War Institute
14K
57
28
7
6
1
"I would like to start by weighing in on one of those topics, that “there will never be another need for a mass airborne drop.” Although such a premise will surely have doubters among airborne ranks, a quick look at the nature of the world in which we live and fight makes clear that it is true.* In the spirit of debate suggested by Cavanaugh’s list, I’m looking forward to hearing from those of you who wish to prove me wrong."
What are your thoughts, are mass airborne operations outdated?
What are your thoughts, are mass airborne operations outdated?
Yes, Mass Airborne Operations are a Thing of the Past - Modern War Institute
Posted from mwi.usma.edu
XVIII ABN Corps
Paratrooper
82nd ABN
Posted 8 y ago
Responses: 13
8
8
0
It never ceases to amaze me. The lesson we always seem to learn is that the next war will be exactly the same as the last war. Then it isn't.
Trench warfare and the Machine Gun eliminated the viability of the infantry after World War I, but we can't beat ISIS without boots on the ground.
Automatic weapons, and medium/heavy rotary wing lift eliminated pack animals, except they didn't
World war II was the end of Amphibious warfare, except that the landing at Inchon during the Korean war was probably the most classic example of the value of amphibious forces in modern warfare, and the threat of regimental scale amphibious landings tied up multiple Iraqi Divisions so that they couldn't reinforce the Iraqi southern front.
Air Power, Optically launched, wire guided missiles, and laser designation eliminated the Tank, Armored Personnel Carriers, and Bunkers. Except they didn't .
Trench warfare and the Machine Gun eliminated the viability of the infantry after World War I, but we can't beat ISIS without boots on the ground.
Automatic weapons, and medium/heavy rotary wing lift eliminated pack animals, except they didn't
World war II was the end of Amphibious warfare, except that the landing at Inchon during the Korean war was probably the most classic example of the value of amphibious forces in modern warfare, and the threat of regimental scale amphibious landings tied up multiple Iraqi Divisions so that they couldn't reinforce the Iraqi southern front.
Air Power, Optically launched, wire guided missiles, and laser designation eliminated the Tank, Armored Personnel Carriers, and Bunkers. Except they didn't .
(8)
(0)
MSG Felipe De Leon Brown
CPT (Join to see) - Except the stealth helicopters used by USSOC that the SEALS used to do in Osama bin Laden.
(0)
(0)
MSG Felipe De Leon Brown
I'm very mindful of evolving and developing better war fighting doctrine. At the same time, we must also be aware than a "old trick" is often most effective. You remember "Independence Day"? The entire World was using satellite communications...until no one could. International Morse Code, on the other hand solved the problem. IMHO, we might want to at least be able to employ the "tried and true" even if we never ever have to use it again.
(1)
(0)
CPT (Join to see)
Of course that was a movie. Even aliens could de-crypt messages sent in the clear.
(0)
(0)
7
7
0
Spent some time with the 82d so I speak with some experience. One of the main missions we trained for was to seize an airhead so more conventional forces and support units could follow on. Power projection like that is still needed so I am sure airborne forces will be around for many years to come.
(7)
(0)
3
3
0
From a possibly flawed perspective of a Navy guy. Suppose we have to strategically position a large number of troops inside a large country such as China or Russia quickly? How could you do that with no airborne? The size of airborne may be questioned, but experienced well trained troop to maintain a defined force that could be used for ground troops is a good idea. JMHO
(3)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google