Some Principles of Convoy Operations in Operations Other Than War,

This monograph probes a very narrow band of Army doctrine--the wheeled vehicle convoy--by asking if that doctrine is versatile enough for the unique challenges of OOTW. The paper focuses on the more dangerous end of the OOTW spectrum, where convoys operate in peril. The monograph format is as follows. Section 1 introduces the monograph and describes the papers methodology. Section 2 describes the quiet history of the convoy in conventional, linear warfare. Section 3 explains why the OOTW environment characterized by the Bosnia and Somalia imbroglios is the most dangerous environment for future American convoys. Section 4 explains why a maritime theorist, Sir Julian Corbett, provides insight for operating convoys in OOTW. Section 5 illustrates why American convoy experience in Vietnam offers a pertinent model for future convoy operations. Section 6 checks the versatility of wheeled vehicle convoy doctrine in light of six specific challenges of OOTW.