Corps Air Assault Brigade

This monograph discusses the question, how should light forces be integrated into the heavy corps to conduct three-dimensional deep, close, and rear battle in accordance with AirLand Battle doctrine? U.S. doctrine is called AirLand Battle because of the inherent three-dimensional nature of war. The corps plans, organizes, and conducts AirLand Battle tactical operations using a mix of heavy and light forces. Light forces are not integrated into the heavy corps or division force structure. The AirLand Battle tenets are used as criteria to determine heavy corps light force requirements. This monograph examines three historical examples identifying the applicability of depth, agility, initiative, and synchronization to heavy/light three-dimensional operations. Emphasis is placed upon air assault operations within a corps area. Current U.S. and Soviet force structures are compared identifying elements of air assault three-dimensional warfare incorporated into each Army. Several missions for air assault forces are examined within the context of the corps close, deep, and rear battle. Based upon these mission requirements, two options for integrating air assault forces into the heavy corps force structure are compared using the previously established criteria. The monograph concludes that an air assault brigade integrated into the heavy corps force structure achieves the heavy/light mix required to conduct three-dimensional operations in accordance with AirLand Battle doctrine.