Assault Gliders: A Reexamination

This is a critical examination of the combat glider as used in World War II. This study uses the Market-Garden airborne invasion of Holland in 1944 to determine whether the glider was cost effective as a system of airborne assault. Cost effectiveness is determined by comparing glider echelons with parachute echelons. Five elements of cost contribute to the expense of airborne operations. These elements are equipment costs, training costs, assembly-packing costs, pay costs, and recovery costs. A Standard Unit Equivalent SUE provides the common denominator for capability of gliders and parachutes. SUEs measure combat capability and produce a resultant dollar amount. The more cost effective force is the echelon with the least cost for the same combat capability on the ground. Gliders, as used on the first day of the Market-Garden airborne operation were not cost effective because of high costs, poor recovery, and less combat power delivered compared to the parachute. A cost effective successful glider model is offered as having value to any consideration for future glider use.