The Evolution Of The Armored Force, 1920-1940

The Evolution Of The Armored Force, 1920-1940 PDF Author: LTC Edward J. O’Shaughnessy Jr.
Publisher: Pickle Partners Publishing
ISBN: 1782898115
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 82

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Book Description
In armored force circles the inter-war years are sometimes referred to as the “lean years.” The abolishment of the separate Tank Corps in 1920, the Depression Era budget constraints and a lack of national strategic vision have caused a mistaken belief that little attention was paid to the development of armored force structure and doctrine in this critical time period. In fact the evidence points to the contrary. Rather than development by a kick start in 1940, the evidence illustrates an evolution of armored doctrine and force structure. The process started immediately upon return from World War I by a core of tank visionaries and advocates. The fruits of their labors were realized in 1940 when war demanded the rapid fielding of armored divisions. The fact that fourteen divisions were fielded in four years, when none had existed previously, is testimony to their efforts. This paper is told from their perspective. In the face of significant institutional obstacles these tank advocates responded to a higher calling. The inter-war period has parallels for us today. Once again we have declared victory, are downsizing our force structure and slashing our defense budget. Will we retain and encourage within our ranks visionaries and advocates to prepare our military for future conflict as we enter a new “lean years” era?

The Evolution Of The Armored Force, 1920-1940

The Evolution Of The Armored Force, 1920-1940 PDF Author: LTC Edward J. O’Shaughnessy Jr.
Publisher: Pickle Partners Publishing
ISBN: 1782898115
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 82

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Book Description
In armored force circles the inter-war years are sometimes referred to as the “lean years.” The abolishment of the separate Tank Corps in 1920, the Depression Era budget constraints and a lack of national strategic vision have caused a mistaken belief that little attention was paid to the development of armored force structure and doctrine in this critical time period. In fact the evidence points to the contrary. Rather than development by a kick start in 1940, the evidence illustrates an evolution of armored doctrine and force structure. The process started immediately upon return from World War I by a core of tank visionaries and advocates. The fruits of their labors were realized in 1940 when war demanded the rapid fielding of armored divisions. The fact that fourteen divisions were fielded in four years, when none had existed previously, is testimony to their efforts. This paper is told from their perspective. In the face of significant institutional obstacles these tank advocates responded to a higher calling. The inter-war period has parallels for us today. Once again we have declared victory, are downsizing our force structure and slashing our defense budget. Will we retain and encourage within our ranks visionaries and advocates to prepare our military for future conflict as we enter a new “lean years” era?

The Evolution of the Armored Force, 1920-1940

The Evolution of the Armored Force, 1920-1940 PDF Author: Edward J O'Shaughnessy (Jr)
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 68

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Book Description
In armored force circles, the inter-war years are sometimes referred to as the lean years. The abolishment of the separate Tank Corps in 1920, the Depression Era budget constraints and a lack of national strategic vision have caused a mistaken belief that little attention was paid to the development of armored force structure and doctrine in this critical time period. In fact the evidence points to the contrary. Rather than development by a kick start in 1940, the evidence illustrates an evolution of armored doctrine and force structure. The process started immediately upon return from World War I by a core of tank visionaries and advocates. The fruits of their labors were realized in 1940 when war demanded the rapid fielding of armored divisions, The fact that fourteen divisions were fielded in four years, when none had existed previously, is testimony to their efforts. This paper is told from their perspective. In the face of significant institutional obstacles, these tank advocates responded to a higher calling.

Evolution of the Armored Force, 1920-1940

Evolution of the Armored Force, 1920-1940 PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
In armored force circles the inter-war years are referred to as the "lean years." The abolishment of the separate Tank Corps in 1920, the Depression Era budget constraints and a lack of national strategic vision have caused a mistaken belief that little attention was paid to the development of armored force structure and doctrine in this critical time period. In fact the evidence points to the contrary. Rather than development by a kick start in 1940, the evidence illustrates an evolution of armored doctrine and force structure. The process started immediately upon return from World War I by a core of tank visionaries and advocates. The fruits of their labors were realized in 1940 when war demanded the rapid fielding of armored divisions-. The fact that fourteen divisions were fielded in four years, when none had existed previously, is testimony to their efforts. This paper is told from their perspective. In the face of significant institutional obstacles these tank advocates responded to a higher calling. The inter-war period has parallels for us today. Once again we have declared victory, are downsizing our force structure and slashing our defense budget. Will we retain and encourage within our ranks visionaries and advocates to prepare our military for future conflict as we enter a new "lean years" era?

The Evolution of the Armored Force, 1920-1940

The Evolution of the Armored Force, 1920-1940 PDF Author: Edward J. O'Shaughnessy
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Armored vehicles, Military
Languages : en
Pages : 64

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Book Description
In armored force circles, the inter-war years are sometimes referred to as the lean years. The abolishment of the separate Tank Corps in 1920, the Depression Era budget constraints and a lack of national strategic vision have caused a mistaken belief that little attention was paid to the development of armored force structure and doctrine in this critical time period. In fact the evidence points to the contrary. Rather than development by a kick start in 1940, the evidence illustrates an evolution of armored doctrine and force structure. The process started immediately upon return from World War I by a core of tank visionaries and advocates. The fruits of their labors were realized in 1940 when war demanded the rapid fielding of armored divisions, The fact that fourteen divisions were fielded in four years, when none had existed previously, is testimony to their efforts. This paper is told from their perspective. In the face of significant institutional obstacles, these tank advocates responded to a higher calling.

Armored Force

Armored Force PDF Author: U. S. Military
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781549641350
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 53

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Book Description
Although initially delayed by neglect of the tank forces during the interwar period, the United States successfully developed a uniquely American armored force to lead the Allied advance across Western Europe. In the years following World War I, the United States' effort to develop an armored force was hampered by budgetary constraints and a lack of unified doctrine for tank employment. As armored forces assumed a dominant role in several European armies, the tank was alternately viewed in the United States as a supporting arm to the infantry and the horse cavalry. At the outbreak of World War II, the U.S. Army was stunned to see how armored forces had led the German blitzkrieg over the Allied forces. The War Department responded quickly and established the U.S. Armored Force in June 1940. The rapid development of the Armored Force was a remarkable achievement. Although initially there were many misunderstandings and mistakes in the organization, equipment, and tactical employment of the armored divisions, the U.S. applied the lessons learned from the Allies and its own experience in North Africa in preparation for combat in Western Europe. The Armored Force that landed in Normandy was unique from any other force in the world. Its strengths were its tactical mobility, high quality equipment, flexible command and control, and unmatched lethality from combined arms coordination. When properly led, this force proved to be a decisive factor on the battlefield. This paper seeks to establish the mistakes in the development of American armored forces during the interwar period. It then analyzes the aspects of the U.S. Armored Force that made it unique and effective during combat in Western Europe. Despite the numerous mistakes made during the interwar period, the United States was able to field a unique and effective armored force to lead the Allied advance across Western Europe.

Military Technology in Republican France

Military Technology in Republican France PDF Author: Jeffrey Johnstone Clarke
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description


Mobility, Shock, and Firepower

Mobility, Shock, and Firepower PDF Author: Robert S. Cameron
Publisher: Government Printing Office
ISBN:
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 592

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Book Description
Captures the multifaceted development of the Armored Force from its inauspicious beginnings in World War 1 to its fully mature, operational status at the close of World War 2. Provides an excellent case study in force transformation. Gives attention to training maneuvers conducted in the interwar period. Source material includes reports, memorandums, and correspondence of the majors, lieutenant colonels, and colonels associated with armored development since World War I.

Toward Combined Arms Warfare

Toward Combined Arms Warfare PDF Author: Jonathan Mallory House
Publisher: DIANE Publishing
ISBN: 1428915834
Category : Armies
Languages : en
Pages : 235

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Book Description


Mobility, shock, and firepower: The Emergence of the U.S. Army's Armor Branch, 1917-1945

Mobility, shock, and firepower: The Emergence of the U.S. Army's Armor Branch, 1917-1945 PDF Author: Robert S. Cameron
Publisher: Government Printing Office
ISBN: 9780160872419
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 588

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Book Description
From the Preface: The following pages provide a narrative analysis of the U.S. Army's development of armored organizations and their related doctrine, materiel, and training activities in the period 1917-1945. This period marked the emergence of clear principles of armored warfare that became the underpinning of the Armor Branch, influencing armored developments long after World War II ended. A unique style of mounted maneuver combat emerged that reflected a mix of tradition an innovation. In the process, American military culture changed, particularly through the adoption of combined-arms principles. Conversely, political actions, budgetary considerations, and senior leadership decisions also shaped the course of armor development. The emergence of an American armored force involved more than simply tank development. It included the creation of an armored division structure steeped in combined-arms principles, organizational flexibility, and revolutionary command and control processes. Parallel developments included the establishment of specialized units to provide antitank, reconnaissance, and infantry support capabilities. Several Army branches played a role in determining the precise path of armored development, and one of them-the Cavalry-became a casualty as a result.

Development of the U.S. Armored Force

Development of the U.S. Armored Force PDF Author: George Macon Shuffer
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Tank warfare
Languages : en
Pages : 366

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Book Description