Field Artillery and the Operational Offensive

This study is a historical analysis of the demonstrated Russian and American artillery principles and techniques which were instrumental in achieving success in offensive actions at the operational level of war during World War II. Each army's concept is examined based on historical records and contemporary literature and then compared to reveal similarities and differences. The common characteristics are then compared to the general considerations listed in the 1986 version of FM 100-5 Operations. The Russian Vistula-Oder Operation and the American Operation Cobra illustrate the similarities and differences. The conclusions which could be drawn are that 1) artillery support for actions at the tactical level of war and the operational level of war are very similar, 2) operational fire or operational field artillery is more correctly a procedure to support actions at the operational level of war, and 3) both the Russian and American artillery doctrines of World War II effectively supported their respective maneuver doctrines. Each country's doctrine achieved the goals set by the country's army and were based on different concepts, yet were still very similar. The study concludes that the most important difference is the concept of planning to sequence artillery movements and actions well beyond the seizure of the initial objectives, deep into the enemy's rear areas. The Russians fully grasp the importance of the concept. The Americans are beginning to grasp the concept, but current American artillery doctrinal literature is inadequate. The procedures and principles of World War II provide a sound basis for updating current doctrine.
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