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Field Manual Fm 3 96 Brigade Combat Team January 2021
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Book Synopsis Field Manual FM 3-96 Brigade Combat Team January 2021 by : United States Government Us Army
Download or read book Field Manual FM 3-96 Brigade Combat Team January 2021 written by United States Government Us Army and published by Independently Published. This book was released on 2021-01-22 with total page 452 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This United States Army doctrine, Field Manual FM 3-96 Brigade Combat Team January 2021, provides doctrine for the brigade combat team (BCT). This manual describes how the BCT, as part of a joint team, shapes operational environments, prevents conflict, conducts large-scale ground combat, and consolidates gains against a peer threat. FM 3-96 describes relationships, organizational roles and functions, capabilities and limitations, and responsibilities within the BCT. Tactics, the employment, ordered arrangement, and directed actions of forces in relation to each other (ADP 3-90), are discussed in this manual and are intended to be used as a guide. They are not prescriptive. FM 3-96 applies to the three maneuver BCT types: Infantry, Stryker, and Armored. The principal audience for FM 3-96 is the commanders, staffs, officers, and noncommissioned officers of the brigade, battalions, and squadron within the BCT. The audience also includes the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command institutions and components, and the United States Army Special Operations Command. This manual serves as an authoritative reference for personnel developing doctrine, materiel and force structure, institutional and unit training, and standard operating procedures for the BCT. For lower maneuver echelon specific discussions, see the appropriate Army techniques publication for that organization. FM 3-96 applies to the Active Army, the Army National Guard/the Army National Guard of the United States, and the United States Army Reserve unless otherwise stated.
Book Synopsis FM 3-96 Brigade Combat Team by : Headquarters Department Headquarters Department of the Army
Download or read book FM 3-96 Brigade Combat Team written by Headquarters Department Headquarters Department of the Army and published by . This book was released on 2021-01-26 with total page 458 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: January 2021 FM 3-96 Brigade Combat Team Army FM 3-96 provides doctrine for the brigade combat team (BCT). This manual describes how the BCT, as part of a joint team, shapes operational environments, prevents conflict, conducts large-scale ground combat, and consolidates gains against a peer threat. FM 3-96 describes relationships, organizational roles and functions, capabilities and limitations, and responsibilities within the BCT. Tactics, the employment, ordered arrangement, and directed actions of forces in relation to each other (ADP 3-90), are discussed in this manual and are intended to be used as a guide. They are not prescriptive. FM 3-96 applies to the three maneuver BCT types: Infantry,Stryker, and Armored. This manual supersedes FM 3-96, dated 8 October 2015. Why buy a book you can download for free? We print the paperback book so you don't have to. First you gotta find a good clean (legible) copy and make sure it's the latest version (not always easy). Some documents found on the web are missing some pages or the image quality is so poor, they are difficult to read. If you find a good copy, you could print it using a network printer you share with 100 other people (typically its either out of paper or toner). If it's just a 10-page document, no problem, but if it's 250-pages, you will need to punch 3 holes in all those pages and put it in a 3-ring binder. Takes at least an hour. It's much more cost-effective to just order the bound paperback from Amazon.com We include a Table of Contents on the back cover for quick reference. We print these paperbacks as a service so you don't have to. The books are compact, tightly-bound paperback, full-size (8 1⁄2 by 11 inches), with large text and glossy covers. 4th Watch Publishing Co. is a SDVOSB. https://usgovpub.com
Author :Department of the Army Publisher :Createspace Independent Publishing Platform ISBN 13 :9781974428298 Total Pages :260 pages Book Rating :4.4/5 (282 download)
Book Synopsis Brigade Combat Team (FM 3-96) by : Department of the Army
Download or read book Brigade Combat Team (FM 3-96) written by Department of the Army and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2017-08-10 with total page 260 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Army FM 3-96, "Brigade Combat Team," provides doctrine for the brigade combat team (BCT). This publication describes relationships, organizational roles and functions, capabilities and limitations, and responsibilities within the BCT. Tactics, the employment and ordered arrangement of forces in relation to each other (CJCSM 5120.01), are discussed in this manual and are intended to be used as a guide. They are not prescriptive. FM 3-96 applies to the infantry brigade combat team, Stryker brigade combat team, and armored brigade combat team. The Army provides readily available and trained regionally aligned and globally responsive forces to prevent conflict, shape the security environment, and win wars. Army forces maintain proficiency in the fundamentals of decisive action, and possess capabilities to meet specific geographic combatant command requests. Regionally aligned forces provide combatant commanders with an Army headquarters tailored to missions from tactical level to joint task force capable. The brigade combat team shapes the security environment and wins across the range of military operations. FM 3-96 focuses on the employment and ordered arrangement of forces within the BCT during the conduct of decisive action across the range of military operations. The tactics addressed in this manual include the ordered arrangement and maneuver-the employment of forces in the operational area through movement in combination with fires to achieve a position of advantage in respect to the enemy (JP 3-0)-of units in relation to each other, the terrain, and the enemy. Tactics vary with terrain and other circumstances; they change frequently as the enemy reacts and friendly forces explore new approaches. Applying tactics usually entails acting under time constraints with incomplete information. Tactics always require judgment in application; they are always descriptive, not prescriptive. FM 3-96 addresses the tactical application of tasks associated with the offense, the defense, and operations focused on stability. FM 3-96 does not discuss defense support of civil authorities. Employing tactics addressed in FM 3-96 may require using and integrating techniques. Echelon-specific ATPs address techniques, non-prescriptive ways or methods used to perform missions, functions, or tasks (CJCSM 5120.01).
Book Synopsis FM 3-96 Brigade Combat Team by : Department of Department of the Army
Download or read book FM 3-96 Brigade Combat Team written by Department of Department of the Army and published by . This book was released on 2020-05-20 with total page 257 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: October 2015 Pocket Size Why buy a book you can download for free? We print the paperback book so you don't have to. We print this Field Manual in a handy pocket size so you can actually take it into the field. The book is a compact, tightly-bound paperback, with a glossy cover. You could print a full-size copy, punch 3 holes in all the pages and put it in a 3-ring binder. Takes at least an hour. It's much more cost-effective to just order the bound paperback from Amazon.com Army FM 3-96 provides doctrine for the brigade combat team (BCT). This publication describes relationships, organizational roles and functions, capabilities and limitations, and responsibilities within the BCT. Tactics, the employment and ordered arrangement of forces in relation to each other (CJCSM 5120.01), are discussed in this manual and are intended to be used as a guide. They are not prescriptive. FM 3-96 applies to the infantry brigade combat team, Stryker brigade combat team, and armored brigade combat team. This publication supersedes FM 3-90.6, Brigade Combat Team. 4th Watch Publishing Co. is a SDVOSB. https://usgovpub.com
Author :U. S. Department of the Army Publisher :www.Militarybookshop.CompanyUK ISBN 13 :9781780391762 Total Pages :222 pages Book Rating :4.3/5 (917 download)
Book Synopsis Brigade Combat Team by : U. S. Department of the Army
Download or read book Brigade Combat Team written by U. S. Department of the Army and published by www.Militarybookshop.CompanyUK. This book was released on 2010-09 with total page 222 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Field manual 3-90.6 provides the commander and staff of the Brigade Combat Team (BCT) and subordinate units with doctrine relevant to Army and joint operations. It applies to the Heavy Brigade Combat Team (HBCT), the Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT), and the Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT). The doctrine described in this manual applies across the full spectrum of military operations - offense, defense, stability or civil support. This publication: Provides BCTs with a framework in which they can operate as part of a division or independently as part of a joint task force; Provides doctrine for BCT commanders, staffs, and their subordinate commanders and leaders responsible for conducting major activities performed during operations; Serves as an authoritative reference for personnel who: Develop doctrine (fundamental principles and tactics, techniques, and procedures), materiel, and force structure; Develop institution and unit training; Develop unit tactical standard operating procedures for BCT operations.
Book Synopsis Brigade Combat Team (FM 3-90. 6) by : Department of the Army
Download or read book Brigade Combat Team (FM 3-90. 6) written by Department of the Army and published by Createspace Independent Pub. This book was released on 2012-11-06 with total page 222 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Brigade Combat Team (BCT) is a modular organization that provides the division, land component commander (LCC), or joint task force (JTF) commander with close combat capabilities. BCTs are designed for operations encompassing the entire spectrum of conflict. They fight battles and engagements by employing the tactical advantages of a combined arms force structure. BCTs accomplish their missions by integrating the actions of maneuver battalions, field artillery, aviation, engineer, air and missile defense, close air support, and naval gunfire. The BCT's reconnaissance squadron and automated information systems give it information superiority over threat forces. These assets enable the BCT to gather large amounts of information, process it rapidly into intelligence, and disseminate it to decision-makers quickly. Field manual 3-90.6, “Brigade Combat Team,” provides the commander and staff of the Brigade Combat Team (BCT) and subordinate units with doctrine relevant to Army and joint operations. It applies to the Heavy Brigade Combat Team (HBCT), the Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT), and the Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT). The doctrine described in this manual applies across the full spectrum of military operations – offense, defense, stability or civil support. This publication: Provides BCTs with a framework in which they can operate as part of a division or independently as part of a joint task force; Provides doctrine for BCT commanders, staffs, and their subordinate commanders and leadersresponsible for conducting major activities performed during operations; Serves as an authoritative reference for personnel who Develop doctrine (fundamental principles and tactics, techniques, and procedures), materiel, and force structure, Develop institution and unit training, and Develop unit tactical standard operating procedures for BCT operations; Reflects and supports the Army operations doctrine found in FM 3-0, FM 5-0, and FM 6-0.
Book Synopsis Field Manual FM 3-21. 94 the Stryker Brigade Combat Team Infantry Battalion Reconnaissance Platoon April 2003 by : United States Government Us Army
Download or read book Field Manual FM 3-21. 94 the Stryker Brigade Combat Team Infantry Battalion Reconnaissance Platoon April 2003 written by United States Government Us Army and published by CreateSpace. This book was released on 2012-07-14 with total page 346 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This manual is based on the premise that although the unit organization, weapon systems, and conditions have changed, section and platoon maneuver, movement, reconnaissance, and surveillance have not. This manual describes the doctrinal and tactical employment principles for the Stryker reconnaissance vehicle (RV)-equipped infantry battalion reconnaissance platoon, which is an element of the Stryker brigade combat team (SBCT). It provides emerging doctrine, tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP) for the SBCT infantry battalion reconnaissance platoon and its teams and sections. This manual provides the platoon and team leaders with tactics, techniques, and procedures to exploit reconnaissance platoon capabilities through situational understanding (SU), which will reduce vulnerabilities and enable the parent unit to obtain the required information to defeat the enemy on the battlefield. Although this manual reemphasizes critical information from other manuals, the user must continue to refer to other manuals for in-depth discussions of particular subjects.
Book Synopsis Field Manual FM 3-98 Reconnaissance and Security Operations July 2015 by : United States Army
Download or read book Field Manual FM 3-98 Reconnaissance and Security Operations July 2015 written by United States Army and published by CreateSpace. This book was released on 2015-08-08 with total page 176 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This publication, Field Manual FM 3-98 Reconnaissance and Security Operations July 2015, provides doctrinal guidance and direction for Cavalry organizations, as well as reconnaissance and security organizations. This FM establishes the foundation for the development of tactics and procedures in subordinate doctrine publications. This publication applies across the range of military operations. While the main focus of this field manual is Cavalry formations within the units listed below, all maneuver formations must be able to conduct reconnaissance and security tasks. - Armored brigade combat team (ABCT) Cavalry squadron. - Infantry brigade combat team (IBCT) Cavalry squadron. - Stryker brigade combat team (SBCT) Cavalry squadron. - Battlefield surveillance brigade (BFSB) Cavalry squadron. - It is applicable to the- - Scout platoon of maneuver battalions. - Combat aviation brigade air squadron. The principal audiences for FM 3-98 are commanders, leaders, and staffs responsible for the planning, execution, or support of reconnaissance and security operations as well as instructors charged with teaching reconnaissance and security operations. Doctrine consists of fundamental principles that describe how to fight. At the tactical level, doctrine consists of authoritative principles concerning how to execute reconnaissance and security operations as part of Army and joint operations that require professional military judgment in their application. Importantly, our doctrine must describe how brigade combat teams (BCT) and subordinate units combine the capabilities of various arms into cohesive, combined arms, air-ground teams and provide a clear description of how to execute reconnaissance and security operations. This publication provides the commander and staff of Cavalry formations with doctrine relevant to Army and joint operations. This publication explains how effective reconnaissance and security operations generate depth, allow commanders reaction time and maneuver space, fight for information and collect information through stealth, protect against surprise, ease the forward movement of follow-on forces, and provide commanders with flexibility and adaptability. The doctrine described in this publication is applicable across unified land operations. The previous proponent manual for Cavalry Operations was FM 3-20.96, published 12 March 2010, which included operational considerations. This publication provides doctrinal guidance for all formations assigned to the ABCT, the IBCT, and SBCT. The following is a summary of each chapter in the manual: Chapter 1 addresses the role of Cavalry in unified land operations and Cavalry organizations. Chapter 2 discusses understanding the threat, potential threat groups and threat characteristics. Chapter 3 addresses the operational environment, shaping, engaging, and influencing outcomes, and consolidating gains. Chapter 4 highlights the updated concepts of mission command in relation to commander's reconnaissance and security guidance, the operations process and information collection. Chapter 5 begins with an overview, followed by a detailed discussion of the fundamentals of reconnaissance, forms of reconnaissance, and reconnaissance handover. Chapter 6 begins with an overview, followed with the fundamentals of security operations, counterreconnaissance, and the forms of security. Chapter 7 provides a short overview and then devotes a section to reconnaissance and security stability planning, stability principles and frameworks, and stability tasks. Chapter 8 describes sustainment for reconnaissance and security tasks, sustainment planning considerations for reconnaissance and security, sustainment considerations for reconnaissance and security and special sustainment consideration.
Book Synopsis The Other End of the Spear by : John J. Mcgrath
Download or read book The Other End of the Spear written by John J. Mcgrath and published by Lulu.com. This book was released on 2011-09-16 with total page 121 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book looks at several troop categories based on primary function and analyzes the ratio between these categories to develop a general historical ratio. This ratio is called the Tooth-to-Tail Ratio. McGrath's study finds that this ratio, among types of deployed US forces, has steadily declined since World War II, just as the nature of warfare itself has changed. At the same time, the percentage of deployed forces devoted to logistics functions and to base and life support functions have increased, especially with the advent of the large-scale of use of civilian contractors. This work provides a unique analysis of the size and composition of military forces as found in historical patterns. Extensively illustrated with charts, diagrams, and tables. (Originally published by the Combat Studies Institute Press)
Book Synopsis Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) Mobility, Reconnaissance, and Firepower Programs by : Andrew Feickert
Download or read book Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) Mobility, Reconnaissance, and Firepower Programs written by Andrew Feickert and published by . This book was released on 2017 with total page 22 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Book Synopsis U.S. Army Reconnaissance and Surveillance Handbook by : Department of the Army
Download or read book U.S. Army Reconnaissance and Surveillance Handbook written by Department of the Army and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2013-11-26 with total page 240 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Throughout history, military leaders have recognized the importance of reconnaissance and surveillance. Gaining and maintaining contact with the enemy is essential to win the battle, and U.S. military history contains many examples where our knowledge of the enemy, or lack of knowledge, directly led to victory or defeat. The role of reconnaissance and surveillance has not diminished on the modern battlefield; if anything, it has become even more important. Battles at the combat training centers prove that a good reconnaissance and surveillance effort is critical to successful attacks. On the other hand, a poor reconnaissance and surveillance effort almost guarantees defeat for the commander. The message is clear: success on the battlefield begins with reconnaissance and surveillance. Direct from the United States Army, U.S. Army Reconnaissance and Surveillance Handbook provides tactics, techniques, and procedures for reconnaissance and surveillance planning, mission management, and reporting. It also covers the development of intelligence to support counter-reconnaissance operations, employment considerations for reconnaissance, and surveillance assets, and defines the roles of various personnel in planning operations. Intended for maneuver commanders and their staffs; intelligence staffs and collection managers; and other personnel involved in planning and reconnaissance and counter-reconnaissance operations, and now available to everyone, U.S. Army Reconnaissance and Surveillance Handbook provides an insider’s look into the world of Army intelligence.
Book Synopsis Handbook for Tactical Operations in the Information Environment by : Michael Schwille
Download or read book Handbook for Tactical Operations in the Information Environment written by Michael Schwille and published by . This book was released on 2021-10-04 with total page 98 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: With its quick-reference format and series of illustrative vignettes, this handbook facilitates problem-solving and highlights how early-career officers in tactical units can contribute to operations in the information environment.
Download or read book U. S. Army Board Study Guide written by and published by . This book was released on 2006-06 with total page 211 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Book Synopsis Tactical Combat Casualty Care Handbook by : United States Army
Download or read book Tactical Combat Casualty Care Handbook written by United States Army and published by . This book was released on 2017-05-17 with total page 132 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) has saved hundreds of lives during our nation's conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Nearly 90 percent of combat fatalities occur before a casualty reaches a medical treatment facility. Therefore, the prehospital phase of care is needed to focus on reducing the number of combat deaths. However, few military physicians have had training in this area and, at the onset of hostilities, most combat medics, corpsmen, and pararescue personnel in the U.S. military have been trained to perform battlefield trauma care through civilian-based trauma courses. These courses are not designed for the prehospital combat environment and do not reflect current practices in the area of prehospital care. TCCC was created to train Soldiers and medical personnel on current best practices for medical treatment from the point of injury to evacuation to Role 3 facilities
Book Synopsis Army Doctrine Publication ADP 6-0 Mission Command by : United States Government Us Army
Download or read book Army Doctrine Publication ADP 6-0 Mission Command written by United States Government Us Army and published by . This book was released on 2019-08-24 with total page 106 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This manual, Army Doctrine Publication ADP 6-0 Mission Command: Command and Control of Army Forces July 2019, provides a discussion of the fundamentals of mission command, command and control, and the command and control warfighting function. It describes how commanders, supported by their staffs, combine the art and science of command and control to understand situations, make decisions, direct actions, and lead forces toward mission accomplishment.The doctrine in ADP 6-0 forms the foundation for command and control tactics, techniques, and procedures.For an explanation of these tactics and procedures, see FM 6-0, Commander and Staff Organization and Operations. For an explanation of the techniques associated with command and control, see ATP 6-0.5, Command Post Organization and Operations, as well as other supporting techniques publications.The principal audience for ADP 6-0 is Army commanders, leaders, and unit staffs. Mission command demands more from subordinates at all levels, and understanding and practicing the mission command principles during operations and garrison activities are imperative for all members of the Army Profession.This revision to ADP 6-0 represents an evolution of mission command doctrine based upon lessons learned since 2012. The use of the term mission command to describe multiple things-the warfighting function, the system, and a philosophy-created unforeseen ambiguity. Mission command replaced command and control, but in practical application it often meant the same thing. This led to differing expectations among leadership cohorts regarding the appropriate application of mission command during operations and garrison activities. Labeling multiple things mission command unintentionally eroded the importance of mission command, which is critical to the command and control of Army forces across the range of military operations. Differentiating mission command from command and control provides clarity, allows leaders to focus on mission command in the context of the missions they execute, and aligns the Army with joint and multinational partners, all of whom use the term command and control.Command and control-the exercise of authority and direction by a properly designated commander over assigned and attached forces-is fundamental to the art and science of warfare. No single specialized military function, either by itself or combined with others, has a purpose without it. Commanders are responsible for command and control. Through command and control, commanders provide purpose and direction to integrate all military activities towards a common goal-mission accomplishment. Military operations are inherently human endeavors, characterized by violence and continuous adaptation by all participants. Successful execution requires Army forces to make and implement effective decisions faster than enemy forces. Therefore, the Army has adopted mission command as its approach to command and control that empowers subordinate decision making and decentralized execution appropriate to the situation.
Book Synopsis The Russian Way of War by : Lester W. Grau
Download or read book The Russian Way of War written by Lester W. Grau and published by Mentor Military. This book was released on 2018 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Force Structure, Tactics, and Modernization of the Russian Ground Forces The mighty Soviet Army is no more. The feckless Russian Army that stumbled into Chechnya is no more. Today's Russian Army is modern, better manned, better equipped and designed for maneuver combat under nuclear-threatened conditions. This is your source for the tactics, equipment, force structure and theoretical underpinnings of a major Eurasian power. Here's what the experts are saying: "A superb baseline study for understanding how and why the modern Russian Army functions as it does. Essential for specialist and generalist alike." -Colonel (Ret) David M. Glantz, foremost Western author on the Soviet Union in World War II and Editor of The Journal of Slavic Military Studies. "Congratulations to Les Grau and Chuck Bartles on filling a gap which has yawned steadily wider since the end of the USSR. Their book addresses evolving Russian views on war, including the blurring of its nature and levels, and the consequent Russian approaches to the Ground Forces' force structuring, manning, equipping, and tactics. Confidence is conferred on the validity of their arguments and conclusions by copious footnoting, mostly from an impressive array of primary sources. It is this firm grounding in Russian military writings, coupled with the authors' understanding of war and the Russian way of thinking about it, that imparts such an authoritative tone to this impressive work." -Charles Dick, former Director of the Combat Studies Research Centre, Senior Fellow at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, author of the 1991 British Army Field Manual, Volume 2, A Treatise on Soviet Operational Art and author of From Victory to Stalemate The Western Front, Summer 1944 and From Defeat to Victory, The Eastern Front, Summer 1944. "Dr. Lester Grau's and Chuck Bartles' professional research on the Russian Armed Forces is widely read throughout the world and especially in Russia. Russia's Armed Forces have changed much since the large-scale reforms of 2008, which brought the Russian Army to the level of the world's other leading armies. The speed of reform combined with limited information about their core mechanisms represented a difficult challenge to the authors. They have done a great job and created a book which could be called an encyclopedia of the modern armed forces of Russia. They used their wisdom and talents to explore vital elements of the Russian military machine: the system of recruitment and training, structure of units of different levels, methods and tactics in defense and offence and even such little-known fields as the Arctic forces and the latest Russian combat robotics." -Dr. Vadim Kozyulin, Professor of Military Science and Project Director, Project on Asian Security, Emerging Technologies and Global Security Project PIR Center, Moscow. "Probably the best book on the Russian Armed Forces published in North America during the past ten years. A must read for all analysts and professionals following Russian affairs. A reliable account of the strong and weak aspects of the Russian Army. Provides the first look on what the Russian Ministry of Defense learned from best Western practices and then applied them on Russian soil." -Ruslan Pukhov, Director of the Moscow-based Centre for the Analysis of Strategies and Technologies (CAST) and member of the Public Council of the Russian Federation Ministry of Defense. Author of Brothers Armed: Military Aspects of the Crisis in Ukraine, Russia's New Army, and The Tanks of August.
Book Synopsis Bracketing the Enemy by : John R. Walker
Download or read book Bracketing the Enemy written by John R. Walker and published by University of Oklahoma Press. This book was released on 2013-08-08 with total page 348 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: After the end of World War II, General George Patton declared that artillery had won the war. Yet howitzers did not achieve victory on their own. Crucial to the success of these big guns were forward observers, artillerymen on the front lines who directed the artillery fire. Until now, the vital role of forward observers in ground combat has received little scholarly attention. In Bracketing the Enemy, John R. Walker remedies this oversight by offering the first full-length history of forward observer teams during World War II. As early as the U.S. Civil War, artillery fire could reach as far as two miles, but without an “FO” (forward observer) to report where the first shot had landed in relation to the target, and to direct subsequent fire by outlining or “bracketing” the targeted range, many of the advantages of longer-range fire were wasted. During World War II, FOs accompanied infantrymen on the front lines. Now, for the first time, gun crews could bring deadly accurate fire on enemy positions immediately as advancing riflemen encountered these enemy strongpoints. According to Walker, this transition from direct to indirect fire was one of the most important innovations to have occurred in ground combat in centuries. Using the 37th Division in the Pacific Theater and the 87th in Europe as case studies, Walker presents a vivid picture of the dangers involved in FO duty and shows how vitally important forward observers were to the success of ground operations in a variety of scenarios. FO personnel not only performed a vital support function as artillerymen but often transcended their combat role by fighting as infantrymen, sometimes even leading soldiers into battle. And yet, although forward observers lived, fought, and bled with the infantry, they were ineligible to wear the Combat Infantryman’s Badge awarded to the riflemen they supported. Forward observers are thus among the unsung heroes of World War II. Bracketing the Enemy signals a long-overdue recognition of their distinguished service.
