Chapter 14: American Bloodline
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Welcome back! We’re going to start with a little recap because we know some of this (or all of it) is new material for much of our audience and we want to make it easier to enjoy.
Welcome back! We’re going to start with a little recap because we know some of this (or all of it) is new material for much of our audience and we want to make it easier to enjoy.
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We’ve talked about the Army adopting the Pentomic concept in the late 1950s. The term “Pentomic Division” was used to represent the new structure, containing five subordinate units, with the purpose of maintaining functionality across domains.
We’ve talked about the Army adopting the Pentomic concept in the late 1950s. The term “Pentomic Division” was used to represent the new structure, containing five subordinate units, with the purpose of maintaining functionality across domains.
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The concept was designed by Maxwell Taylor and the underlying idea was to optimize the Army’s ability to attack quickly without giving the enemy time to respond with nuclear weapons.
The concept was designed by Maxwell Taylor and the underlying idea was to optimize the Army’s ability to attack quickly without giving the enemy time to respond with nuclear weapons.
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To accommodate this, the Pentomic Division contains different units within a single division that should reduce delays caused by communications between different commands. The first to be reorganized in this way was the @101stAASLTDIV
To accommodate this, the Pentomic Division contains different units within a single division that should reduce delays caused by communications between different commands. The first to be reorganized in this way was the @101stAASLTDIV
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Yesterday we discussed CARS, the Combined Arms Regimental System, also from 1957. This was a way to maintain traditional US Army lineage, which would have otherwise been lost by the Pentomic reorganization.
Yesterday we discussed CARS, the Combined Arms Regimental System, also from 1957. This was a way to maintain traditional US Army lineage, which would have otherwise been lost by the Pentomic reorganization.
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In late 1960, John F. Kennedy won the presidential election, and by December the Army was looking at ways to reorganize again. Changes to Army structure were required to accommodate Kennedy’s “Flexible Response” plan.
In late 1960, John F. Kennedy won the presidential election, and by December the Army was looking at ways to reorganize again. Changes to Army structure were required to accommodate Kennedy’s “Flexible Response” plan.
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The Army came up with Reorganization Objective Army Divisions or ROAD. This process began research and planning in 1960 and was implemented in 1965. And once again, the @101STAASLTDIV was first to reorganize.
The Army came up with Reorganization Objective Army Divisions or ROAD. This process began research and planning in 1960 and was implemented in 1965. And once again, the @101STAASLTDIV was first to reorganize.
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Interestingly, Maxwell Taylor, who developed the Pentomic concept, also came up with ROAD, Pentomic’s correction, while serving as Army Chief of Staff.
Interestingly, Maxwell Taylor, who developed the Pentomic concept, also came up with ROAD, Pentomic’s correction, while serving as Army Chief of Staff.
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In 1961, JFK was so enamored with Taylor that he pulled the retired general back to Active Duty and created a job for him as military representative to the president.
In 1961, JFK was so enamored with Taylor that he pulled the retired general back to Active Duty and created a job for him as military representative to the president.
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While in this job, Taylor urged JFK to push ROAD on the US Army. Then-Army Chief of Staff George Decker was also sold on the concept.
While in this job, Taylor urged JFK to push ROAD on the US Army. Then-Army Chief of Staff George Decker was also sold on the concept.
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So, Taylor came up with both concepts, Pentomic and ROAD. He got both pushed on the Army. And both times, the @101stAASLTDIV was first to see the changes.
So, Taylor came up with both concepts, Pentomic and ROAD. He got both pushed on the Army. And both times, the @101stAASLTDIV was first to see the changes.
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ROAD was intended to “correct” the Pentomic concept. The main weakness in the Pentomic concept was the lack of combat power – in a conventional battle with an enemy armored force, the Pentomic concept left us with too many weak spots.
ROAD was intended to “correct” the Pentomic concept. The main weakness in the Pentomic concept was the lack of combat power – in a conventional battle with an enemy armored force, the Pentomic concept left us with too many weak spots.
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ROAD featured a common support base for Infantry, Mechanized, and Armored Divisions. This includes Airborne and Cavalry Divisions.
ROAD featured a common support base for Infantry, Mechanized, and Armored Divisions. This includes Airborne and Cavalry Divisions.
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The common support base included a Division Headquarters, Division Artillery, an Engineer Battalion, an Aviation Battalion, and other support elements. See where this is going?
The common support base included a Division Headquarters, Division Artillery, an Engineer Battalion, an Aviation Battalion, and other support elements. See where this is going?
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Each ROAD division also had three maneuver combat brigade headquarters. Maneuver battalions were attached to these brigades.
Each ROAD division also had three maneuver combat brigade headquarters. Maneuver battalions were attached to these brigades.
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In principle, mostly only the mixture of maneuver battalions differed from one division to the next.
▪️ 10 for Infantry (8 Mechanized & 2 Tank Battalions)
▪️ 10 for Mechanized (7 Mech. & 6 Tank Battalions)
▪️ 11 for Armored Divisions (5 Mech. & 6 Tank Battalions)
In principle, mostly only the mixture of maneuver battalions differed from one division to the next.
▪️ 10 for Infantry (8 Mechanized & 2 Tank Battalions)
▪️ 10 for Mechanized (7 Mech. & 6 Tank Battalions)
▪️ 11 for Armored Divisions (5 Mech. & 6 Tank Battalions)
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All supply and technical support elements were gathered under a single commander for the first time, forming the Division Support Command.
All supply and technical support elements were gathered under a single commander for the first time, forming the Division Support Command.
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Aviation assets were 2x those of the Pentomic divisions 🚁
Aviation assets were 2x those of the Pentomic divisions 🚁
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In combat, the ROAD divisions were Task Organized – maneuver battalions and other elements were attached to one of the three combat brigade headquarters as needed.
In combat, the ROAD divisions were Task Organized – maneuver battalions and other elements were attached to one of the three combat brigade headquarters as needed.
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Administratively, each battalion reported directly to Division HQ. Brigade HQ served only to direct maneuver and combat.
Administratively, each battalion reported directly to Division HQ. Brigade HQ served only to direct maneuver and combat.
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ROAD divisions were intended to have the versatility and flexibility needed in order to operate in all environments, against conventional heavy forces in Europe, or against lighter conventional forces or unconventional / guerrilla threats worldwide.
ROAD divisions were intended to have the versatility and flexibility needed in order to operate in all environments, against conventional heavy forces in Europe, or against lighter conventional forces or unconventional / guerrilla threats worldwide.
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These ROAD divisions were configured to function in non-nuclear environments, but COULD convert to nuclear readiness IF NECESSARY. This was the opposite of the Pentomic division, which was focused on the perceived threat of nuclear war.
These ROAD divisions were configured to function in non-nuclear environments, but COULD convert to nuclear readiness IF NECESSARY. This was the opposite of the Pentomic division, which was focused on the perceived threat of nuclear war.
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This ROAD reorganization was made possible by the authorization to increase Army strength by 31,000 troops during Kennedy’s presidency, 1961-1963. The increase would bring the US Army to about 960,000 Soldiers.
This ROAD reorganization was made possible by the authorization to increase Army strength by 31,000 troops during Kennedy’s presidency, 1961-1963. The increase would bring the US Army to about 960,000 Soldiers.
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Army budgets were increased during the same time period by $12-billion. All this also made it possible to form two new ROAD divisions.
Army budgets were increased during the same time period by $12-billion. All this also made it possible to form two new ROAD divisions.
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Yesterday we talked about CARS, the Combined Arms Regimental System, and how that was designed to retain the traditional lineage of units despite reorganizing.
Yesterday we talked about CARS, the Combined Arms Regimental System, and how that was designed to retain the traditional lineage of units despite reorganizing.
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In 1878, the War Department published the findings of the Hancock Board, which basically made Regiments the principal repositories of unit lineages, honors, and histories.
In 1878, the War Department published the findings of the Hancock Board, which basically made Regiments the principal repositories of unit lineages, honors, and histories.
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The Hancock Board’s findings assigned lineage to all regiments. And the CARS process (1957) was directly linked to the Hancock Board.
The Hancock Board’s findings assigned lineage to all regiments. And the CARS process (1957) was directly linked to the Hancock Board.
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This is going to get a little complex but bear with us and we’ll try to simplify as much as possible without losing anything important (hopefully😬).
This is going to get a little complex but bear with us and we’ll try to simplify as much as possible without losing anything important (hopefully😬).
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Under CARS, each new element could trace its lineage from one of the original companies of a pre-1957 tactical regiment.
Under CARS, each new element could trace its lineage from one of the original companies of a pre-1957 tactical regiment.
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Each company, battery, or troop in an old regiment was reorganized as the Headquarters and Headquarters element of a new Battle Group, Battalion, or Squadron in the new regiment.
Each company, battery, or troop in an old regiment was reorganized as the Headquarters and Headquarters element of a new Battle Group, Battalion, or Squadron in the new regiment.
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For clarity, let’s explain these terms because we’re about to use them a lot.
For clarity, let’s explain these terms because we’re about to use them a lot.
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A company is the lowest level of command authority in the Army. It’s usually led by a Captain. Each company usually has 3 platoons, and there could be 60-200 soldiers in a company, but some might have more. We don’t need to understand that right now though.
A company is the lowest level of command authority in the Army. It’s usually led by a Captain. Each company usually has 3 platoons, and there could be 60-200 soldiers in a company, but some might have more. We don’t need to understand that right now though.
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The term “company” is usually replaced with “battery” when talking about an Artillery unit. And when it’s Cavalry, the term “troop” is usually used instead of “company”.
The term “company” is usually replaced with “battery” when talking about an Artillery unit. And when it’s Cavalry, the term “troop” is usually used instead of “company”.
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This is why you may see some of #MilTwitter mention a “Troop Command” while others talk about a “Battery Command” but many say a “Company Command”.
This is why you may see some of #MilTwitter mention a “Troop Command” while others talk about a “Battery Command” but many say a “Company Command”.
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The next level up from a company / troop / battery is the battalion or squadron. A battalion is normally comprised of 3 companies, but can have up to 5. This could be 300 to 1000 soldiers or more.
The next level up from a company / troop / battery is the battalion or squadron. A battalion is normally comprised of 3 companies, but can have up to 5. This could be 300 to 1000 soldiers or more.
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If the company is a Cavalry unit (Armored or Air) of similar size, it is generally called a Squadron. So when we see/hear “squadron” we generally think “Cav” but understand it to be like a battalion.
If the company is a Cavalry unit (Armored or Air) of similar size, it is generally called a Squadron. So when we see/hear “squadron” we generally think “Cav” but understand it to be like a battalion.
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The next level up from a battalion is the regiment, but the Army stopped using “regiment” as a fighting headquarters and never went back to it (with a few notable exceptions – 75th Ranger Regiment, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, etc).
The next level up from a battalion is the regiment, but the Army stopped using “regiment” as a fighting headquarters and never went back to it (with a few notable exceptions – 75th Ranger Regiment, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, etc).
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The regiment was replaced (except for those special cases) with a brigade as the fighting HQ command.
The regiment was replaced (except for those special cases) with a brigade as the fighting HQ command.
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Brigades typically contain 2000 to 5000 soldiers, that are usually divided between 3 to 5 battalions. Commanders of brigades and regiments are Colonels.
Brigades typically contain 2000 to 5000 soldiers, that are usually divided between 3 to 5 battalions. Commanders of brigades and regiments are Colonels.
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You may have heard the term “Brigade Combat Team” or BCT. The BCT is the basic deployable unit of maneuver in the Army. armytimes.com/news/your-army…
You may have heard the term “Brigade Combat Team” or BCT. The BCT is the basic deployable unit of maneuver in the Army. armytimes.com/news/your-army…
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Under ROAD, the battalion became the basic tactical unit, and the brigade became the principle instrument of garrison administration. This made the brigade responsible for training, recruiting, and centralized command during wartime. THIS HAS NEVER CHANGED.
Under ROAD, the battalion became the basic tactical unit, and the brigade became the principle instrument of garrison administration. This made the brigade responsible for training, recruiting, and centralized command during wartime. THIS HAS NEVER CHANGED.
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One good thing about ROAD is that it allowed the Division to train as it would fight, in a Task Organized fashion. (Team Yankee does a pretty good job demonstrating Task Organization, actually. And it has tanks.) #TankTwitter
One good thing about ROAD is that it allowed the Division to train as it would fight, in a Task Organized fashion. (Team Yankee does a pretty good job demonstrating Task Organization, actually. And it has tanks.) #TankTwitter
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Now, we’ve mentioned Battle Groups and should probably explain that one too. Under the Pentomic division structure, the core of the Division was 5 Infantry Battle Groups, each with 5 Infantry companies, a HQ, a maintenance company, and a mortar battery.
Now, we’ve mentioned Battle Groups and should probably explain that one too. Under the Pentomic division structure, the core of the Division was 5 Infantry Battle Groups, each with 5 Infantry companies, a HQ, a maintenance company, and a mortar battery.
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Each Battle Group had about 1300 soldiers. So a Battle Group was basically a big battalion that reported directly to Division.
Each Battle Group had about 1300 soldiers. So a Battle Group was basically a big battalion that reported directly to Division.
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The new Battle Group, Battalion, or Squadron (under CARS, 1957) contained organic elements (the lettered elements, i.e. Company A) that were constituted and activated as new units.
The new Battle Group, Battalion, or Squadron (under CARS, 1957) contained organic elements (the lettered elements, i.e. Company A) that were constituted and activated as new units.
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Each of the old companies, batteries, or troops of a former regiment also had the capability of becoming a separate company, battery, or troop in the new regiment. history.army.mil/html/forcestru…
Each of the old companies, batteries, or troops of a former regiment also had the capability of becoming a separate company, battery, or troop in the new regiment. history.army.mil/html/forcestru…
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For example, Company A, 14th Infantry was redesignated (in 1957) “Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), 1st Battle Group, 14th Infantry”, and this tied the new battle group to the lineage and honors of Company A.
For example, Company A, 14th Infantry was redesignated (in 1957) “Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), 1st Battle Group, 14th Infantry”, and this tied the new battle group to the lineage and honors of Company A.
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The line companies of 1st Battle Group, 14th Infantry were then constituted and activated as new units, having no direct tie to the pre-1957 14th Infantry companies.
The line companies of 1st Battle Group, 14th Infantry were then constituted and activated as new units, having no direct tie to the pre-1957 14th Infantry companies.
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Company B and Company C, 14th Infantry were used to activate the 2nd and 3rd Battle Groups, 14th Infantry.
Company B and Company C, 14th Infantry were used to activate the 2nd and 3rd Battle Groups, 14th Infantry.
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A separate company was required for the Army Reserve. To accommodate this, Company D, 14th Infantry was activated but without any changes to its designation.
A separate company was required for the Army Reserve. To accommodate this, Company D, 14th Infantry was activated but without any changes to its designation.
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Control of the regiment headquarters was transferred to the Department of the Army.
Control of the regiment headquarters was transferred to the Department of the Army.
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A regiment that was not organized under CARS had a fixed number of organic elements, organized into battalions or squadrons. This is basically the difference between a regiment and a brigade organized under ROAD.
A regiment that was not organized under CARS had a fixed number of organic elements, organized into battalions or squadrons. This is basically the difference between a regiment and a brigade organized under ROAD.
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In World War II, an Infantry Regiment contained Companies A thru M, divided into 3 battalions, PLUS support elements like the maintenance company.
In World War II, an Infantry Regiment contained Companies A thru M, divided into 3 battalions, PLUS support elements like the maintenance company.
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A Brigade, on the other hand, is more flexible with its organizational structure. It has no organic, permanently assigned elements.
A Brigade, on the other hand, is more flexible with its organizational structure. It has no organic, permanently assigned elements.
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A Brigade may have several different kinds of units attached to it, such as 3 Infantry Battalions, a Cavalry Troop, an Engineer Company, and other supporting units. The maneuver units (Infantry, Armor) do not have to come from the same regiment.
A Brigade may have several different kinds of units attached to it, such as 3 Infantry Battalions, a Cavalry Troop, an Engineer Company, and other supporting units. The maneuver units (Infantry, Armor) do not have to come from the same regiment.
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In tactical structure, a Brigade is very similar to the Regimental Combat Team of World War II or Korea.
In tactical structure, a Brigade is very similar to the Regimental Combat Team of World War II or Korea.
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Since a Brigade is flexible (except for the HHC) no two Brigades need to be alike. In contrast, all Regiments are fixed, with organic elements provided for under basic tables of organization and equipment.
Since a Brigade is flexible (except for the HHC) no two Brigades need to be alike. In contrast, all Regiments are fixed, with organic elements provided for under basic tables of organization and equipment.
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Now, yesterday we talked about the two-factor criteria for regiments under CARS. One point for each year since the original organization, and two points for each campaign and American decoration.
Now, yesterday we talked about the two-factor criteria for regiments under CARS. One point for each year since the original organization, and two points for each campaign and American decoration.
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The regiments with the most points were chosen for inclusion into the Combined Arms Regimental System (CARS).
The regiments with the most points were chosen for inclusion into the Combined Arms Regimental System (CARS).
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The losers would be forgotten about under new units are needed.
The losers would be forgotten about under new units are needed.
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With this system, the Army knew it was getting the most storied regiments, some even went back to the Mexican-American War (1846-48). Because of these long histories, things can get confusing when trying to explain them.
history.com/topics/mexican…
With this system, the Army knew it was getting the most storied regiments, some even went back to the Mexican-American War (1846-48). Because of these long histories, things can get confusing when trying to explain them.
history.com/topics/mexican…
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And we mean really long histories. Regiments have histories longer than the battalions of brigades.
And we mean really long histories. Regiments have histories longer than the battalions of brigades.
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For example, looking at 5th Cavalry Regiment, their history goes back to 1855. first-team.us/assigned/subun…
For example, looking at 5th Cavalry Regiment, their history goes back to 1855. first-team.us/assigned/subun…
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5th Cavalry Regiment’s battalions live under the 1st Cavalry Division, which was formed in 1921 and first saw combat in WWII. 1cda.org/history/
5th Cavalry Regiment’s battalions live under the 1st Cavalry Division, which was formed in 1921 and first saw combat in WWII. 1cda.org/history/
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First battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment now lives in 2nd Brigade Combat Team, but its lineage has nothing to do with that Brigade or that Division. history.army.mil/html/forcestru…
First battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment now lives in 2nd Brigade Combat Team, but its lineage has nothing to do with that Brigade or that Division. history.army.mil/html/forcestru…
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If you’ve ever seen a 1st Cavalry Division formation, you may notice the guidon has a decent number of streamers. The regimental guidons are OVERFLOWING with streamers. The regimental guidons basically laugh at the 1st Cav guidon.
An example of guidon streamers:
If you’ve ever seen a 1st Cavalry Division formation, you may notice the guidon has a decent number of streamers. The regimental guidons are OVERFLOWING with streamers. The regimental guidons basically laugh at the 1st Cav guidon.
An example of guidon streamers:
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Slapping this regimental affiliation over the top of the battle groups created a lot of confusion that we still live with today.
Slapping this regimental affiliation over the top of the battle groups created a lot of confusion that we still live with today.
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For another example – some people think that Colonel Andy Saslav, Commander of @Strike_Hold in the @82ndABNDiv is the 504th Regimental Commander. This is wrong.
For another example – some people think that Colonel Andy Saslav, Commander of @Strike_Hold in the @82ndABNDiv is the 504th Regimental Commander. This is wrong.
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COL Saslav is the Devil BRIGADE Commander. But not the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR) Commander.
history.army.mil/html/forcestru…
COL Saslav is the Devil BRIGADE Commander. But not the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR) Commander.
history.army.mil/html/forcestru…
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There is no 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment HQ, but there IS a regimental commander. This is NOT the same as the Brigade Commander. Which is clearly confusing so it’s no wonder people get it mixed up.
There is no 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment HQ, but there IS a regimental commander. This is NOT the same as the Brigade Commander. Which is clearly confusing so it’s no wonder people get it mixed up.
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Under CARS, the lowest numbered battalion of a regiment carries on the regiment as the HONORARY Regimental Commander. In the case of 504th PIR, the 1-504 (White Devils) Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Scotty McKay, is the 50th Regimental Commander. #DealWithIt
Under CARS, the lowest numbered battalion of a regiment carries on the regiment as the HONORARY Regimental Commander. In the case of 504th PIR, the 1-504 (White Devils) Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Scotty McKay, is the 50th Regimental Commander. #DealWithIt
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Most brigades in the US Army do not have 3 battalions from the same regiment. They have a Combined Arms “mix’ – so Brigade Combat Teams generally carry an amalgamation of lineages.
Most brigades in the US Army do not have 3 battalions from the same regiment. They have a Combined Arms “mix’ – so Brigade Combat Teams generally carry an amalgamation of lineages.
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Now you’ve got all these Brigade Commanders running around the Army thinking they are Regimental Commanders. But they’re not.
Now you’ve got all these Brigade Commanders running around the Army thinking they are Regimental Commanders. But they’re not.
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The Brigade Headquarters actually takes its lineage from the Division, NOT the Regiment.
(And we’re back to Charlie 😂)
The Brigade Headquarters actually takes its lineage from the Division, NOT the Regiment.
(And we’re back to Charlie 😂)
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Anyway, let’s get this show back on the ROAD.
Anyway, let’s get this show back on the ROAD.
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CARS is a precursor to ROAD. The basic idea for ROAD (Reorganization Objective, Army Divisions) began in 1959/1960, at the end of the Eisenhower administration, in an effort to make the Army more modular.
CARS is a precursor to ROAD. The basic idea for ROAD (Reorganization Objective, Army Divisions) began in 1959/1960, at the end of the Eisenhower administration, in an effort to make the Army more modular.
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Instead of whole Divisions with singular functions, ROAD allowed for a force structure that could break up and fight in smaller units with all of the functions of a combined arms organization.
Instead of whole Divisions with singular functions, ROAD allowed for a force structure that could break up and fight in smaller units with all of the functions of a combined arms organization.
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Under ROAD, the Pentomic structure’s five Battle Groups were replaced with triangular Reorganization of Combat Arms Divisions (ROCAD) in 1963. With ROCAD, Divisions would now have 3 Brigades with 3 Battalions each.
fortgordon.com/tactical-organ…
Under ROAD, the Pentomic structure’s five Battle Groups were replaced with triangular Reorganization of Combat Arms Divisions (ROCAD) in 1963. With ROCAD, Divisions would now have 3 Brigades with 3 Battalions each.
fortgordon.com/tactical-organ…
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ROAD improved the Command and Control structure. Now the Brigade serves as an intermediary HQ between the Division Commander and the Combat Battalions.
ROAD improved the Command and Control structure. Now the Brigade serves as an intermediary HQ between the Division Commander and the Combat Battalions.
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It also improved career opportunities for the Infantry Officer.
It also improved career opportunities for the Infantry Officer.
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Under ROAD, the Brigade grew into a flexible organization with no permanent elements. A ROAD Brigade might have several different kinds of units assigned to it.
Under ROAD, the Brigade grew into a flexible organization with no permanent elements. A ROAD Brigade might have several different kinds of units assigned to it.
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For example, it might contain 3 Light Infantry Battalions or 2 Mechanized Infantry & 1 Armor Battalion, or 1 Light Infantry, 1 Mechanized, and 1 Armor Battalion. Plus the support units.
For example, it might contain 3 Light Infantry Battalions or 2 Mechanized Infantry & 1 Armor Battalion, or 1 Light Infantry, 1 Mechanized, and 1 Armor Battalion. Plus the support units.
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The typical number of maneuver battalions was 3. However, this was a guideline, not a rule.
The typical number of maneuver battalions was 3. However, this was a guideline, not a rule.
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So, ROAD was a big hit and the regimental system has remains with us ever since.
So, ROAD was a big hit and the regimental system has remains with us ever since.
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WITH THAT SAID, in 1976, the TRADOC Commander, General William Depuy, realized that ROAD couldn’t keep up with the tactical changes emerging from advances in weaponry such as the antitank missile.
WITH THAT SAID, in 1976, the TRADOC Commander, General William Depuy, realized that ROAD couldn’t keep up with the tactical changes emerging from advances in weaponry such as the antitank missile.
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GEN DePuy launched an effort to reorganize the Army’s major tactical unit: the heavy division.
history.army.mil/html/books/070…
GEN DePuy launched an effort to reorganize the Army’s major tactical unit: the heavy division.
history.army.mil/html/books/070…
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ROAD divisions were heavy in technical assets (both armor and aviation related). But commanders complained of shortages of technical support personnel, aircraft, vehicles, and other equipment.
ROAD divisions were heavy in technical assets (both armor and aviation related). But commanders complained of shortages of technical support personnel, aircraft, vehicles, and other equipment.
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DePuy’s effort didn’t actually result in a new heavy division though. But it helped us get to the larger Division 86 effort and the Army 86 Studies of 1978-1983.
DePuy’s effort didn’t actually result in a new heavy division though. But it helped us get to the larger Division 86 effort and the Army 86 Studies of 1978-1983.
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The Army 86 Studies initially focused on getting the Army to heavy armor and mechanized infantry designs aimed at the Soviet challenge to NATO, but the studies evolved to include the Army’s contingency and light organizations too.
The Army 86 Studies initially focused on getting the Army to heavy armor and mechanized infantry designs aimed at the Soviet challenge to NATO, but the studies evolved to include the Army’s contingency and light organizations too.
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If you’ve like to read more into this, the @TRADOC Historical Monograph Series “The Army of Excellence: The Development of the 1980s Army” by John L. Romjue, 1997 covers it in greater detail history.army.mil/html/books/069…
If you’ve like to read more into this, the @TRADOC Historical Monograph Series “The Army of Excellence: The Development of the 1980s Army” by John L. Romjue, 1997 covers it in greater detail history.army.mil/html/books/069…
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In fact, CARS got a bit of makeover in 1981 under the United States Army Regimental System (USARS), which provides each soldier with a continuous identification with a single regiment.
In fact, CARS got a bit of makeover in 1981 under the United States Army Regimental System (USARS), which provides each soldier with a continuous identification with a single regiment.
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USARS was also intended to increase a soldier’s probability of serving recurring assignments with his or her regiment.
USARS was also intended to increase a soldier’s probability of serving recurring assignments with his or her regiment.
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Despite all the confusion it still causes (even today), CARS was actually a great concept in that it gave each unit a long-term identity.
Despite all the confusion it still causes (even today), CARS was actually a great concept in that it gave each unit a long-term identity.
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CARS allowed valor to endure from one generation to the next, along the bloodline of a regiment.
CARS allowed valor to endure from one generation to the next, along the bloodline of a regiment.
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Just as importantly, it allowed the Battalion to become the basic tactical unit, while the Brigade served as the principal instrument of garrison administration (e.g. recruiting, training, centralizing command during wartime).
Just as importantly, it allowed the Battalion to become the basic tactical unit, while the Brigade served as the principal instrument of garrison administration (e.g. recruiting, training, centralizing command during wartime).
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CARS let you train as you fight: Task Organized.
CARS let you train as you fight: Task Organized.
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The biggest issue with CARS is that it still confuses the hell out of other services and nations. Partners and Allies often get confused because the units don’t align.
The biggest issue with CARS is that it still confuses the hell out of other services and nations. Partners and Allies often get confused because the units don’t align.
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Confusing as it may be, the @USArmy’s regimental system is actually quite functional when compared to others.
Confusing as it may be, the @USArmy’s regimental system is actually quite functional when compared to others.
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It generally requires an explanation: these units are in the same regiment, but they might not be anywhere near each other.
It generally requires an explanation: these units are in the same regiment, but they might not be anywhere near each other.
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For example, the British and Canadian regimental personnel go back to the same units and locations over and over. Some units get really, really good. Others do not.
For example, the British and Canadian regimental personnel go back to the same units and locations over and over. Some units get really, really good. Others do not.
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And the units that do not get really good tend to degrade over time. They never get an opportunity to reinvent themselves with new leadership, new talent, new ideas.
And the units that do not get really good tend to degrade over time. They never get an opportunity to reinvent themselves with new leadership, new talent, new ideas.
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Our 17th Cavalry Regiment is a good example how messy the US Army regimental system can get. 🤠Check this out:
▪️ 1st Squadron w/ @82ndABNDiv at Fort Bragg
▪️ 2nd Squadron is w/ @101stAASLTDIV at Fort Campbell
▪️ 3rd Squadron w/ @3rd_Infantry at Hunter Army Airfield
Our 17th Cavalry Regiment is a good example how messy the US Army regimental system can get. 🤠Check this out:
▪️ 1st Squadron w/ @82ndABNDiv at Fort Bragg
▪️ 2nd Squadron is w/ @101stAASLTDIV at Fort Campbell
▪️ 3rd Squadron w/ @3rd_Infantry at Hunter Army Airfield
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Then 17th Cav’s 6th Squadron 🤠 is with 4th Infantry Division, at @USArmy_FtCarson but 7th Squadron is part of @1stCavalryDiv at @forthood.
Then 17th Cav’s 6th Squadron 🤠 is with 4th Infantry Division, at @USArmy_FtCarson but 7th Squadron is part of @1stCavalryDiv at @forthood.
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The entire system is generally confusing for people who are not really familiar with it. Even people who are familiar with it get confused at times.
The entire system is generally confusing for people who are not really familiar with it. Even people who are familiar with it get confused at times.
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But the key takeaway here is that the CARS system and the ROAD system – both outgrowths of the #AtomicAgeArmy, remain with us today and define our organizational structure.
But the key takeaway here is that the CARS system and the ROAD system – both outgrowths of the #AtomicAgeArmy, remain with us today and define our organizational structure.
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If you’d like to read more about the ROAD concept, check out this @USArmyCMH publication: Maneuver and Firepower: The Evolution of Divisions and Separate Brigades, 1998
history.army.mil/html/books/060…
If you’d like to read more about the ROAD concept, check out this @USArmyCMH publication: Maneuver and Firepower: The Evolution of Divisions and Separate Brigades, 1998
history.army.mil/html/books/060…
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Some additional resources ~
Chapter 6 of “The Brigade: A History, Its Organization and Employment in the US Army” by John J. McGrath, 2004 vietnam.ttu.edu/exhibits/helic…
Some additional resources ~
Chapter 6 of “The Brigade: A History, Its Organization and Employment in the US Army” by John J. McGrath, 2004 vietnam.ttu.edu/exhibits/helic…
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Toward Combined Arms Warfare: A Survey of 20th Century Tactics, Doctrine, and Organization by Captain Jonathan M. House, 1984
apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fullte…
Toward Combined Arms Warfare: A Survey of 20th Century Tactics, Doctrine, and Organization by Captain Jonathan M. House, 1984
apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fullte…
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Evolution of the US Army Division 1939 – 1968 by Virgil Ney, 1969
apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fullte…
Evolution of the US Army Division 1939 – 1968 by Virgil Ney, 1969
apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fullte…
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From @RANDCorporation “Evolution and Endurance: The US Army Division in the Twentieth Century” by Richard W. Kedzior, 2000
rand.org/content/dam/ra…
From @RANDCorporation “Evolution and Endurance: The US Army Division in the Twentieth Century” by Richard W. Kedzior, 2000
rand.org/content/dam/ra…
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The Pentomic Era: The US Army Between Korea and Vietnam by A. J. Bacevich, 1986
apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fullte…
The Pentomic Era: The US Army Between Korea and Vietnam by A. J. Bacevich, 1986
apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fullte…
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Sixty Years of Reorganizing for Combat: A Historical Trend Analysis from the Combat Studies Institute, 1999
cgsc.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collec…
Sixty Years of Reorganizing for Combat: A Historical Trend Analysis from the Combat Studies Institute, 1999
cgsc.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collec…
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Army Lineage Series – Infantry Part I: Regular Army by John K. Mahon and Romana Danych, 1972
history.army.mil/html/books/060…
Army Lineage Series – Infantry Part I: Regular Army by John K. Mahon and Romana Danych, 1972
history.army.mil/html/books/060…
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Army Lineage Series – Armies, Corps, Divisions, and Separate Brigades by John B. Wilson, 1999 (a whopping 852 pages)
history.army.mil/html/books/060…
Army Lineage Series – Armies, Corps, Divisions, and Separate Brigades by John B. Wilson, 1999 (a whopping 852 pages)
history.army.mil/html/books/060…
END OF CHAPTER 14:
Actually, there are some others that might be of interest from that Army Lineage Series if anyone else wants the link history.army.mil/html/forcestru…
Actually, there are some others that might be of interest from that Army Lineage Series if anyone else wants the link history.army.mil/html/forcestru…
