Reorganization During Combat - Considerations for a Mechanized Infantry Company

This study examines the reorganization process as it applies to a mechanized infantry company. The investigation focuses on the reconstitution process in general, and on the reorganization process in particular. Existing doctrinal publications and research reports on reorganization are reviewed for information appropriate to an understanding of the process of reorganization. The principal referenced document is a draft operational concept for reconstitution currently being developed by the US Army Training and doctrine Command. The thesis consists of the following major topics: a discussion of reconstitution, combat effectiveness indicators, historical examples of reorganization, existing US Army reorganization doctrine, the reorganization process, and an analysis of the mechanized infantry company organization. Research indicated that the process of reorganization has not received such emphasis within the US Army in the past. In recognition of the need for such actions on the full spectrum of the modern battlefield, the US Army Training and Doctrine Command is currently developing operational concepts for reorganization. Research identified several factors that impact on a mechanized infantry company's ability to reorganize during combat. The reorganization process, however, is not well understood, and additional efforts are required to insure that unit commanders can use the process to maximum advantage.