DEPARTMENT
OF THE ARMY
COMBINED
ARMS TRAINING ACTIVITY
FORT
LEAVENWORTH, KANSAS 66027-7000
| ATZL-TA | 20 Jan 1988 |
SUBJECT: Command Continuity on the AirLand Battlefield
1. In order to fight outnumbered and win, we must seize the initiative on the AirLand Battlefield. If we are to retain the initiative, we must ensure command continuity and eliminate unnecessary casualties.
2. During World War II, General Erwin Rommel made "commander survivability" a top priority in the Afrika Corps. Indeed, he believed that even "in the smallest action there are tactical tricks which can be used to save casualties" and which "must be made known to the men." As a result, he instituted what amounted to a field lessons learned program on survivability, subsequently applying these lessons in crash training programs.
3. The goal of this newsletter is to provide unit commanders with information on an old problem which is still important. CALL's efforts in this work are meant to serve as a catalyst for improved SOPs and training programs. Many of the lessons presented here were learned on modern battlefields. These lessons are still valid, though much of the "how-to" has disappeared with time or has been overcome by the changing nature of warfare.
4. While there are also materiel and organizational solutions, training still offers the greatest potential for ensuring command continuity if we go to war tomorrow.
5. The active support of the non-commissioned officer is vital to the successful solution of this and other challenges on the battlefield. In recognition of this role, this newsletter inaugurates an "NCO Corner." This feature is to be written for and by the NCOs. I welcome your suggestions and contributions for future editions.
WILLIAM
J. MULLEN III
Brigadier
General, USA
Commanding
Table
of Contents
Subject
I: Synopsis of Battle
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