Determining the Optimum Aviation Organization for the Operational Level of War

Examination of the US Army's aviation organizational structure from a corps perspective to determine the optimum aviation organization and employment level for operational warfare. Existing doctrine, organizations, and employment concepts have left a void in the procedures by which US Army Aviation intends to execute AirLand Battle doctrine at the operational level. Three alternatives for organization and employment of Army Aviation on the mid-intensity European battlefield are examined. Focus of this study is on determining the feasibility of further developing the concept of an AirMechanized Division as proposed by General Doctor Ferdinand M. von Senger und Etterlin, Brigadier (retired) Richard E. Simpkin, and Colonel Wally Franz. The methodology used involves a series of four analyses: historical overview of US Army Aviation doctrinal and organizational development, examination of NATO and Soviet aviation doctrine and organizational concepts, use of wargaming analysis to describe the available options to current aviation force structure, and performance of a cost- effectiveness survey. Research reveals that an AirMechanized Division is a viable operational combat force that needs to be incorporated into the US Army's total force structure. Primary advantages of fielding such a force are evident in its strategic mobility, flexibility, responsiveness, and maneuverability. The US Army and its NATO Alliance armed forces must evaluate their capabilities and potential of fielding a combined AirMechanized Division that can support the overall defense plan of Western Europe and decide if they are willing to fund that organization for employment at the field army level.