An Examination of Land Warrior's Contribution to Combat Power on the Battlefield

Will Land Warrior improve the Infantry's combat power on the modern battlefield? Would this increased combat power change tactics, techniques and procedures, or yield a benefit that changes the ratio required for a successful attack or defense? At first the answer to this question appears self evident, however, a closer look reveals several key issues. Combat power is created by combining the elements of maneuver, firepower, protection, and leadership. The dynamics of these elements combined to create combat power: the ability to fight. The elements of combat power are doctrinal, time tested tenants that provide a framework for evaluating a change in overall combat power. For the purpose of studying Land Warrior the first three elements of combat power: maneuver, (including mobility) firepower, and protection are most relevant to the discussion. Leadership does not directly apply because of its personal intangible nature. However, command and control, a subset of leadership, is affected and requires examination. This overall examination results in an evaluation of Land Warrior's contribution to the combat power of the Infantry on the modern battlefield.