Assault Amphibian Battalion: The Time For Change Is Now
AUTHOR Major Howard P. Schick, USMC
CSC 1989
SUBJECT AREA - Warfighting
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TITLE: ASSAULT AMPHIBIAN BATTALION:
THE TIME FOR CHANGE IS NOW
I. Purpose: To establish the validity of changing the AA Bn
structure to meet current infantry lift requirements without
requiring additional personnel or equipment.
II. Problem: Although the Marine Corps has put a great deal
of thought into the restructure of the infantry, no one has
weighed the impact on its only source of lift for the
surface assault element, the AAV unit.
III. Data: Current doctrine for an amphibious assault calls
for the landing of the surface assault element by assault
amphibian vehicles. The organization of the Assault
Amphibian Battalion is little changed since World War II.
The allocation of an AA Company to support the amphibious
assault of an infantry battalion is also unchanged since WW
II. In the near future mine clearance systems in the form
of line charges and fuel air explosive will be mounted in
AAVs from within the AA Bn. Also, a bulk fuel delivery
system will also be carried. The Marine Corps has recently
restructured its infantry units to add a fourth rifle
company to the MEU(SOC) battalions and additional personnel
to the other battalions.
IV. Conclusions: The recent addition of mobility missions
for the AA Bn and the added lift requirement due to the
restructuring of infantry units require a change to the AA
Bn organization.
V. Recommendations: One of the four line companies in the AA
Bn should be disbanded and its AAVs and crews reallocated to
the other three line companies and H&S Company. With some
of these vehicles, a mine clearance platoon should be formed
in H&S Company. The remainder of the vehicles will be used
to reinforce the other three line companies which will
enable them to provide lift for a MEU(SOC) battalion.
AA BN: THE TIME FOR CHANGE IS NOW
Outline
Thesis: Recent changes to the infantry organization and the
addition of mobility missions necessitate a change
to the Assault Amphibian Battalion structure.
I. Current Assault Amphibian structure
A. Mission of Battalion
B. Battalion structure
1. Company structure
2. Platoon structure
C. Historical perspective
II. New Mobility Missions
A. Countermine
1. Mine Clearance System Kit
2. Catapult Fuel Air Explosive
3. Mine Plow
B. Bulk Fuel Delivery System
III. Impact of infantry reorganization
A. MEU(SOC) designation
B. Unit Deployment Plan
IV. Budgetary Restraints
A. Cuts in end strength
1. Cadre of infantry battalions
B. Shortfall in procurement funds
V. Solutions
A. Role of H&S Company
1. Formation of mine clearance platoon
B. Realignment of remaining AAV assets
ASSAULT AMPHIBIAN BATTALION:
THE TIME FOR CHANGE IS NOW
The use of the Navy Marine Corps team as this country's
premier force projection asset was described best by an
Englishman. Thomas More Molyneux, in 1759, wrote:
A military, naval, littoral war, even when
wisely prepared and discreetly conducted, is a
terrible sort of war. Happily for that people who
are sovereigns enough of the sea to put it in
execution! For it comes like thunder and
lightening to some unprepared part of the world.
(7:35)
One vital part of the amphibious assault package is the
landing of the surface assault elements on a defended beach
by Assault Amphibian Vehicles (AAV's). While the debate
continues as to the practicality of landing where the enemy
is waiting, the requirement still exists, even when
discussing the over the horizon (OTH) concept. Even though
I believe that the OTH concept is needed due to
technological advances in modern weaponry, the fact is the
present AAV will be our only means of landing the surface
assault elements until the year 2000.
The organization of the Assault Amphibian Battalion (AA
Bn) is little changed since the task organized companies of
World War II. Similar, is the intent of one Assault
Amphibian Company (AA Co) being used to meet the lift
requirements of an assault infantry battalion. However,
recent changes to the infantry organization and the addition
of the mobility missions necessitate a change to the AA Bn
structure.
Fleet Marine Force Manual (FMFM) 9-2 states that the
mission of the AA Bn is:
To land the surface assault elements of the
landing force and their equipment in a single lift
from assault shipping during amphibious operations
to inland objectives; to conduct mechanized
operations and related combat support in
subsequent operations ashore. (9:2-1)
To accomplish this mission, the current AA Bn which
supports a Marine Division, is composed of a Headquarters
and Service (H&S) Company and four assault amphibian
companies. The AAV's employed by the Battalion are used to
conduct amphibious assaults, during river crossings as part
of a mechanized force and during other special operations
ashore. The primary mission of the AAV is to transport
Marines in tactical situations. If assets permit, AAV's can
be used as logistics vehicles. The H&S Company provides
command, administrative, maintenance and organic supply
support for the battalion. The most important part of the
H&S Company in regard to troop lift is the assault amphibian
platoon, part of which is the vehicle section which includes
(15) AAVP (personnel) vehicles. FMFM 9-2 states that the
vehicle section is, "intended for employment appropriate to
the tactical solution."(9:2-3) For example, these
additional vehicles could be assigned to an AAV Co that has
a shortage of troop lift capacity with its own assets.
These AAVs could also be used as an organic maintenance
float to replace damaged or destroyed AAVs in order to keep
AAV Cos as close to full strength as possible. If not
required by supported units, they can be used to provide
logistical support for the AA Bn.
The AA Company has four assault amphibian platoons
along with maintenance, communication, headquarters and
assault amphibian sections. An AA Company has a total of
(43) AAV personnel vehicles (AAVP) in its organization. Each
of the four platoons has ten, and the assault amphibian
section has an additional three.
When added up, the AA Bn has a total of (187) AAVP
vehicles to support a Marine Division. When using a
planning factor of (22) Marines per vehicle, the total lift
capability is (4114). Broken down into smaller units, the
AA Company can lift (946) marines while a platoon can lift
(220).
Historically, the organization of the AA Bn is little
changed. In November 1944, the organization of Landing
Vehicle Tracked (LVT) Armored Battalions was described in
FMF PAC General Order 39-4 Standing Operation Procedure for
LVT's 5 Nov 44 as follows:
Armored Amphibian Battalions, often referred
to as "Amphibian Tank" Battalions, have a total of
75 armored LVTs and 12 cargo LVTs. They are
normally organized into four Armored Amphibian
Companies and a Headquarters and Service Company.
Each operating company has a total of 18 Armored
LVTs distributed among three platoons of five LVTs
each, and a company headquarters with three
armored and two cargo LVTs. The cargo LVTs are
operated by maintenance personnel. One of these
is a recovery vehicle. Headquarters and Service
Company has three armored and four cargo LVTs all
of which are in battalion headquarters. One of
the cargo tractors is a recovery vehicle and all
of them are operated by maintenance personnel.
(6:86)
While the total number of vehicles in the Battalion or
of the Company is vastly different, the present day concept
of four companies and an H&S Company is apparent. FMF PAC
General Order goes on further to state,
Normally one Armored Amphibian Battalion is
assigned to a Division in an assault operation.
Within the Division the battalion is further
distributed so that during the assault phases of
the landing each company of Armored LVT(A)'s will
be in direct support of an assault infantry
battalion landing team. After the assault phase
has been completed, Armored Amphibians will be
employed as directed by the Division.(6:86)
This allocation of one AA Bn per Division is still
followed today. However, due to the difference in vehicle
numbers in the AA Companies, an AA Company now supports a
Regiment of three battalions vice one assault infantry
battalion landing team.
When looked at in a historical perspective the size of
AAV platoons has constantly changed to meet the needs of the
infantry. "During the Korean conflict AAV platoons had (12)
vehicles. The US Army Amphibian Tractor Platoons consisted
of (15) vehicles. Since the introduction of the Landing
Vehicle Tracked Personnel Model (5) (LVTP-5) in the l950s, a
platoon has consisted of (10) vehicles."(3:71) While the
number of vehicles in each platoon remains the same, the
troop lift capacity is very different. The LVTP-5 could
carry (34) combat equipped infantry personnel. In 1972 the
LVTP-7 family of vehicles was introduced. The LVTP-7 was
the first water-jet propelled amphibian vehicle. Its hull
was designed to improve water propulsion. While water speed
was increased, the troop lift capacity was decreased to (25)
combat equipped infantry. The total lift capacity was now
(250) troops for each AA platoon. In 1983 a service life
extension program was initiated wherein all vehicles were
converted to the AAVP-7A1. While significant improvements
in capability and survivability were instituted, the troop
lift capacity was adversely affected. Troop space was made
smaller to accomodate a larger engine. Officially the troop
lift capacity of the vehicle remained at (25) personnel.
However, the actual lift is now (22) for a total of (220)
per AA platoon. This reduction in troop lift capacity at
the platoon level is carried into the company and battalion
level as well.
The mission to land the surface assault elements of the
landing force and their equipment in a single lift has not
changed. Also, the AAV organization has changed very little
in over (40) years. However, the vehicle to do so has shown
drastic changes, especially in troop lift capacity.
A key factor in the need for reorganization of the AA
Bn is the introduction of engineer kits to assist in
minefield breeching. Due to the size and weight of these
kits, AAVs are needed to transport these systems on the
battlefield.
The Mine Clearance System Kit (MSCK) is designed to be
mounted in the AAV personnel model. This system supports
amphibious operations and subsequent operations ashore by
transporting, positioning and detonating a linear demolition
charge to clear minefields. The other system introduced is
the catapult fuel air explosive (CATFAE) which is also
designed to be mounted in the AAV personnel model. It
provides mobile land mine countermeasures to support
amphibious operations and subsequent operations ashore. The
key fact which impacts on the AAV organization is that both
systems require a dedicated vehicle. The vehicle that
carries these systems can't be used to transport infantry.
Twelve of each system is expected to be fielded in each
Assault Amphibian Battalion (AA Bn).
Additionally, the Tactical Bulk Fuel Delivery System
(TBFDS) for the AAV is scheduled for introduction. This kit
allows the AAV to serve as a highly mobile refueler in
support of maneuver elements. Once installed, it is
anticipated that the TBFDS will remain in the vehicle for
the entire operation. Each AA Bn is scheduled to receive
four kits which further reduces the number of AAVs dedicated
to the mission of troop lift.
Each of these kits will be fielded independently,
although (MCSK) and (CATFAE) support battlefield mobility.
When taken separately, the fielding of any one kit doesn't
appear to have a major impact on the AA Bn mission.
However, no additional Assault Amphibian Vehicles are to be
provided to the FMF for the purpose of mounting these kits.
It's obvious that the fielding of these kits in total will
adversely affect the battalion's principal mission of
lifting infantry. The AA Bn was never structured to
accomplish the mine clearance and bulk fuel delivery
mission.
The most important and significant impact on the
organization of the AA Bn is the current plan to place three
infantry battalions in cadre, while increasing the strength
of the remaining (24) active battalions. The main reason
for this reallocation of personnel and equipment is to add a
fourth rifle company to the battalions assigned the Marine
Expeditionary Unit, Special Operations Capable (MEU(SOC))
commitments. In addition, personnel are being assigned
throughout the rest of the structure as ammomen and platoon
guides.
When these changes are complete, there will be eight
battalions with the MEU(SOC) designation which means they
will have four rifle companies in each battalion. The 1st
Marine Regiment at Camp Pendleton, California will have four
battalions and the 8th Marine Regiment at Camp Lejeune,
North Carolina will have the other four battalions. "The
total strength of these MEU(SOC) battalions will be (1184)
Marines and sailors, a significant increase. "(5:4)
The other (16) infantry battalions, all of which are
committed to the Unit Deployment Program (UDP) are in the
rotation cycle for Okinawa, Japan. These UDP battalions are
divided between the 5th Marine Regiment at Camp Pendleton,
California with four battalions, 7th Marine Regiment at
Twentynine Palms, California with four battalions and 3d
Marine Brigade in Hawaii with three battalions all in the
Fleet Marine Force Pacific (FMFPAC) area. In the FMF
Atlantic (LANT) area, you have the 2d Marine Regiment with
three battalions and the 6th Marine Regiment with two
battalions, both at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. "These
UDP battalions have a total strength of (965) Marines and
sailors. "(5:4)
The Marine Corps will maintain four infantry battalions
on Okinawa under the UDP program. The 4th and 9th Marine
Regiments will each receive two of the infantry battalions.
The 3d, 5th and 7th Marine Regiments all from FMFPAC will
all provide one of the battalions on a rotational basis,
while the other will be assigned from either the 2d or 6th
Marine Regiments from FMFLANT.
This reorganization of the infantry units has a
significant impact on AAV supportability. Using the current
doctrine of an AA Company providing the lift required for a
reinforced infantry battalion the shortfall is apparent.
The (43) vehicles in the present size AA Company will only
lift (946) troops for a shortfall of over (200) when talking
about a MEU(SOC) battalion with four companies. You still
have a shortfall with the UDP battalion of (965) troops
which doesn't include the normal reinforcements from the
Regimental Headquarters. Also, depending on tactical
considerations, other reinforcements such as engineers could
be added making the shortfall even greater.
The most important point to consider in any attempt to
reorganize the AA Bn is that no increase in personnel or
equipment is likely. With the current zero growth or low
growth budgets expected for the Department of Defense, all
the services are faced with end strength reductions and
shortfalls in money to procure equipment. As noted earlier,
the Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC) had to cadre three
infantry battalions to help add that fourth rifle company to
eight battalions and add additional personnel to the other
(16) battalions. Any request for increases in personnel are
likely to be disapproved.
As discussed earlier, the planning associated with the
structure of the AA Bn takes into account only the total
lift of infantry personnel. It is obvious that the
requirement for vehicles to support other missions has not
resulted in an increased allocation of vehicles in order to
ensure the accomplishment of the primary mission of landing
the surface assault elements of the landing force and their
equipment in a single lift.
The best and most practical way to ensure that assault
amphibian units can accomplish their primary mission is by
providing adequate lift to each infantry unit. Don't change
the present allocation to supported units, i.e. an AA
platoon supports an infantry company; an AA company supports
an infantry regiment; and the AA Bn supports a Marine
Division. What you have to do is ensure that they must have
the amount of AAV's needed to lift the assault echelon. The
only way to accomplish this is by transferring the assets
from one line company to the other three to ensure they have
the assets needed.
To ensure that the new mine clearance and bulk fuel
delivery roles are accomplished, I propose that (13) AAVP-7s
and one AAVR-7 should be moved from the AA Company to be
broken up and transferred to H&S Company. This would form a
mine clearance platoon and strengthen the amphibian platoon.
The mine clearance platoon as it is now envisioned is the
same as FMFM 9-2 dated 17 September 1964 describes it:
The mine clearance platoon, headquarters and
service company, amphibian tractor battalion,
includes the LVTE vehicles and mine clearance
personnel organic to the battalion. Personnel
augmentation from the division engineer battalion
is required during training and actual operations
to permit employment of the vehicle. The LVTE is
a modified armored amphibian assault personnel and
cargo carrier. This vehicle is configured with a
rocket-propelled line charge and plow-shaped mine
excavator. This vehicle provides a greatly
increased capability in the breaching of
extensively mined areas and in the reduction of
obstacles during the landing and subsequent
operations ashore. (8:80)
With a few changes in terminology, it is obvious that
(25) years later, the Marine Corps has once again discovered
the value of mine clearing vehicles.
The mine clearance platoon would initially consist of
(12) AAVP-7A1s designed to carry the Mine Clearance System
Kit (MSCK) since it is scheduled to be fielded before
CATFAE. Each vehicle would have its normal organic crew
with augmentation by engineer personnel for training and
operation. The platoon would be broken down into six
sections of two vehicles each. The remaining two AAVs would
be moved to the amphibian platoon for use. By providing
additional vehicles to H&S Company, the assets of the
tractor section in the amphibian platoon are still
available. These vehicles can still provide an extra lift
to an AA Company or can provide internal logistics support
to the AA Bn as a whole.
The remaining (30) AAVP-7A1s and three AAVC-7A1s would
be divided equally among the three remaining AA companies.
Each of the new reinforced AA companies would now have (53)
AAVP-7A1s, four AAVC-7A1s and their original one AAVR-7A1.
This would increase the lift capability of each AA company
by (220) troops. By doing this, each of the AA Companies
could provide the lift need to carry a MEU(SOC) battalion
which has four rifle companies. While the extra lift
doesn't quite meet the total number of personnel in the
battalion, the assault elements and likely reinforcements
can be carried in a single lift. Since the total number of
battalions and therefore total lift in each regiment is
different due to the reorganization, it is not feasible to
assign a particular AA company to support a particular
regiment. When the Maritime Prepositioned Ship (MPS) and
Air-landed Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB) concept are
considered, the waters are made even muddier for training an
AA company to work with a particular regiment.
Some believe that with the introduction of the Advanced
Assault Amphibian Vehicle (AAAV) in the future, a change is
not needed now, but should wait until the new vehicle is
fielded with a different troop capacity. Also, the
arguments that the present organization has worked so far
and that there are always changes in the infantry table of
organization have been put forward. However, the recent
changes to the force structure of the infantry units are too
great to be ignored.
The introduction of the Advanced Assault Amphibian
Vehicle, while anxiously awaited in the AAV community, is
not scheduled for many years. In fact, current plans don't
foresee its introduction to the Fleet Marine Force until the
year 2000. If past history is any indication, we can expect
that date to be moved forward. With at least (11) years
before the new vehicle is introduced, something must be done
now to correct the current vehicle shortfall in the AA Bn.
While it's true that the infantry structure changes
periodically, we can't assume it will change again in the
near future. These latest changes are too significant to
ignore.
The benefits of having AA units the proper size to
support the infantry is obvious. The AA Company that
supports a regiment by lifting its surface assault battalion
should not be a composite unit. Task organization is good
for a temporary situation but the marriage of AAV and
infantry doesn't stop at the high water mark. The
mechanized operation part of the mission statement is
critical. Since doctrine dictates our finding a lightly
defended beach to land on and then moving rapidly to engage
a highly mobile enemy, it is imperative that the AA Bn have
the assets to perform its mission without reorganizing while
in the attack. The time to reorganize is now, prior to
crossing the line of departure heading for the beach.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1."AAV Strategy is Approved," Marine Corps Gazette, 71
(January 1987), 10
2.Bailey, Alfred D., Major, USMC. "Alligators, Buffaloes
and Bushmasters." Washington, D.C. :History and
Museums Division, Headquarters, U. S. Marine Corps,
1986.
3.Croizat, Victor J., Colonel, USMC (RET). "Fifty Years of
Amphibian Tractors." Marine Corps Gazette, 73 (March
1989), 69-76
4.Lawrence, Henry G., Major, USMC. "History of LVTs and
LVTAs." Amphibious Warfare School, 7th Class, 1949
5."Structure Changes: Infantry," Marine Corps Gazette, 73
(March 1989), 4
6.Thobe, Bernard G., Captain, USMC."Employment of LVT's
and LVT(A)'s." Amphibious Warfare School, 7th
Class, 1949
7.Thompson, Hy L., Lt Colonel, USMC. "Mision 2000 -
Amphibolous or Amphibious." Marine Corps Gazette,
71 (December 1987), 34-35
8.U.S. Marine Corps. Headquarters U.S. Marine Corps.
Amphibian Vehicles, FMFM 9-2. Washington, D.C.,
1964
9.U.S. Marine Corps. Headquarters U.S. Marine Corps.
Amphibian Vehicles, FMFM 9-2. Washington, D.C.,
1981
10.U.S. Marine Corps. Headquarters U.S. Marine Corps.
Employment of Amphibian Vehicles, LFM-17.
Washington, D.C., 1961
11.U.S. Marine Corps. Marine Corps Schools. Organization
and Employment of the Mine Clearance Platoon, H&S
Company, Amphibian Tractor Battalion, Developmental
Bulletin 2-63. Quantico, 1963
|
NEWSLETTER
|
|
Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list
|
|
|
