Is the concept of Vertical Envelopment still viable?

2015-07-08T19:30:29-04:00

The most recent publication from CSI (Combat Studies Institute) "When Failure Thrives," studies the historical evidence surrounding the concept and practice of vertical envelopment (airborne operations). Is this once inovative military practice obsolete in the current operating environment?

http://usacac.army.mil/node/936

When Failure Thrives | US Army Combined Arms Center

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2015 7:43 PM

2015-07-08T19:43:51-04:00

The Airborne is a tool that we need to maintain now do we need 5 Airborne BCT's I don't know maybe not but we need the Airborne.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jul 9 at 2015 7:09 AM

2015-07-09T07:09:20-04:00

Sir,
Wasn't the Airborne concept developed before our widespread use of helicopters?

As such, during that era, it would have been the "best" way to get large quantities of troops inland quickly. But once you add in helicopters and the ability to do expeditionary airfield or ship to shore landings, the need for parachutes is significantly reduced?

Less training, less risk, more control, smaller footprint (on landing).

I'm not saying that Airborne ops aren't a great tool, but it seems like technology gave us a "better" option, and that option is getting better and faster every year. We can land half a platoon (24-32 troops) using an Osprey.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Jul 9 at 2015 12:23 PM

2015-07-09T12:23:50-04:00

There is a bit of a problem with the idea of hanging in the air under a canopy with people with automatic weapons under you ...
That being said .. if you can deliver a platoon of blood-thirsty airborne troopers into someplace the enemy least suspects in the dead of night .. then you have something!

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Jul 9 at 2015 1:11 PM

2015-07-09T13:11:19-04:00

I don't think it viable as it once was now that the helicopter has been introduced into the combat setting! will there still be an instance where we might need a night drop because of the sound of the helicopter might inform the natives? who knows, but I don't think we should do away with it!

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Jul 9 at 2015 1:15 PM

2015-07-09T13:15:54-04:00

Where is the other 1 percent?

Response by SPC David Hannaman made Jul 9 at 2015 6:01 PM

2015-07-09T18:01:51-04:00

Still viable with small teams and HALO. Drop a division static line in broad daylight? You've sentenced most of them to death or injury.