Accession Number:

ADA547417

Title:

The Biggest Stick: The Employment of Artillery Units in Counterinsurgency

Descriptive Note:

Master's thesis

Corporate Author:

ARMY COMMAND AND GENERAL STAFF COLL FORT LEAVENWORTH KS

Personal Author(s):

• Johnson, Richard B.

Report Date:

2011-06-10

Pagination or Media Count:

314.0

Abstract:

This study uses a comparative analysis of the Malayan Emergency, the American experience in Vietnam, and Operation Iraqi Freedom to examine the role and effectiveness of artillery units in complex counterinsurgency environments. Through this analysis, four factors emerge which impact the employment of artillery units the counterinsurgency efforts requirement for indirect fires, constraints and limitations on indirect fires, the counterinsurgency efforts force organization, and the conversion cost of non-standard roles for artillery units. In conclusion, the study offers five broadly descriptive fundamentals for employing artillery units in a counterinsurgency environment invest in tactical leadership, exploit lessons learned, support the operational approach and strategic framework, maintain a pragmatic fire support capability, and minimize collateral damage. Finally, the study examines the role of education for leaders in a counterinsurgency, and its influence on these imperative fundamentals.

Descriptors:

• *ARTILLERY UNITS
• *COUNTERINSURGENCY
• EDUCATION
• EMPLOYMENT
• COLLATERAL DAMAGE
• FIRE SUPPORT
• INSURGENCY
• LEADERSHIP
• LESSONS LEARNED
• THESES

Subject Categories:

• Military Forces and Organizations
• Unconventional Warfare

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE