Brigade Organization and the AirLand Battle

This monograph investigates the ability of heavy brigades to conduct AirLand Battle. The investigation takes three paths. The first is a development of organizational theory for combat units. In theory there are a finite number of factors which influence organizational design. These are doctrine, training, leadership, control systems, objectives, forces available, forces opposed, characteristics of warfare, and relationships to higher echelon organizations. The second path examines the theory as it applies to the evolution of World War II infantry divisions. The changes in the infantry divisions show trends toward decentralizing combat, combat support, and combat service support units to lower levels, greater self-sufficiency in lower echelon units, and greater sustainability in lower echelon units. The final path compares the theoretical factors influencing organizational design against today’s brigade organization. This comparison finds shortfalls in today’s organization which need correction. This lack of agility, sustainability, control, and combined arms training standout as major shortcomings. The monograph concludes that brigades should permanently contain units of all combat, combat support, and combat service support functions. The balance of these units should provide self-sufficiency in combat operations and sustainment for reasonable periods of time.

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