Relevance of Countermobilty for Force XXI

This study examines the countermobility support requirement relevance for echelons brigade and below from the time period of Army of Excellence and Force XXI through the form of a comparative analysis. The thesis begins with an overview of development of countermobility doctrine and equipment during the Army of Excellence from 1985 to the early 1990s. Initially, development of doctrine and equipment was largely based on the Army's experiences during World War II. Additionally, I will present current data that addresses countermobility requirements for Army Force XXI units as the results of a survey conducted with Engineer Officers of Command and General Staff College Officers class of 2000. This statistical analysis will highlight many of the current trends in the evolution of countermobility as a functional requirement for the Corps of Engineers as part of the transition to the battlefields of tomorrow. Later, development of doctrine and equipment for Army of Excellence was largely designed around a threat based enemy that was forward deployed in a mature theater. Finally, countermobility doctrine and equipment has transitioned from a Cold War, threat based force to a capabilities based power projection force. In conclusion, the thesis compares current doctrine and equipment of the Army of Excellence to Force XXI doctrine and equipment designed for Force XXI. Recommendations will be included when shortfalls are identified.