Is the airborne concept outdated?

I was an airdrop qualified C-130 aircrew member for over 8 years in the 1970s and 80s. We asked the same question then. In my opinion modern technology both limits and enhances the usefulness of airdrops.

Modern surface to air missiles make low altitude airdrops risky in a combat environment. The wide range of anti-aircraft guns and missiles with technologically advanced seekers would take a heavy toll on traditional formations of C-130s or C-17s executing low altitude personnel or equipment airdrops. When I left the C-130 business in 1986 we were developing tactics and techniques to lessen the effects of these weapons, but the anti-aircraft technology was ahead of conventional airdrop tactics then and probably remains that way.

In a lower threat environment, airdrops can deliver people, equipment, and supplies. High altitude personnel and CDS airdrops have been used successful in Afghanistan and other places. Modern technology, such as GPS, has improved the accuracy of these types of airdrops so they can be executed in all weather conditions with high confidence of success. In some cases, these types of airdrop were the only way relief supplies were delivered as part of a humanitarian mission. Special Forces use high altitude personnel drops for insertion of teams.

Is the airborne concept of the "battalion airdrop" outdated. I vote yes. It was overcome by technology as early as 1985.

I think those who may feel Airborne to be outdated are operating under the assumption that the United States will never be involved in another large scale war between traditional militaries, and I think that is a dangerous assumption.

An Airdrop at night might be much more effect than the typical advancement.

ABCT, Ranger Regement, and DF capable units. Yes of course. Force projection speaks volumes in a number of scenario.

I don't think the concept is out of date at all. HALO and HAHO are the main reasons why it is outdated from a tactical standpoint. I believe being able to fly in high altitudes and having the capability to free fall into an intense area quietly is just amazing. I'm pretty sure the army will continue to add twist and turns to take tactics to another level. One day I pray and hope I will take part in these operations because day in and day out I work towards it.

Well depends if your including the Navy Seals in that question. If you are then yes there have been. Its still a fast attack method and you still need people trained to do it, even if you dont do it as much as we use to or with as many at a time. I would not like needing to do it and finding out we stopped training for that years ago.

Show me a man who will jump out of an airplane, and I'll show you a man who'll fight." - Gen. James "Jumpin' Jim" Gavin, World War II Commander 82nd Airborne Division

From Ft Bragg to kicking ass in 18 hours or less anywhere in the world, yes i think so

I agree that HALO/HAHO still have a valid reason to be trained but I do not believe the concept of a whole division being airborne still does. I believe we will not see jumps utilizing units larger than squad level (thus the HALO/HAHO) partake in Airborne Operations in any future conflict. However, unit history is hard to get rid of and that alone would keep the 82nd around for a long time to come.

Negative, History has a way of repeating itself if not now but some where in the future this concept will indeed be used again.. We should not let a lack in judgment destroy a way in which we deploy troops at a moment notice ie 18 Hours or less Let not this indoctrination be casted aside because of funding and spending of the military budget.