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“They have eyes, but they do not see.” Platoon forward observers in the mechanized infantry battalion.

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Collection	School of Advanced Military Studies Monographs
Title	“They have eyes, but they do not see.” Platoon forward observers in the mechanized infantry battalion.
Author	Barry, Robert F., II
Abstract	This monograph discusses the current need for platoon forward observers in M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle equipped mechanized infantry battalions. Changes in maneuver and artillery doctrine, emerging. technology, and a shrinking force structure have dramatically altered the role of the platoon forward observer, yet the FIST organization in a mechanized infantry battalion has remained unchanged since 1977. This monograph examines the impact of these changes on the employment and effectiveness of the platoon FO. The monograph first examines the evolution of the platoon FO, focusing on the recommendations made by the Close Support Studies Group, and subsequent formation of the FIST in 1977. Next, the doctrinal employment of the platoon FO is examined in light of changes in maneuver and artillery doctrine. The effectiveness of platoon FOs is evaluated using data from NTC, CXTC, and Operation Desert Storm. The impact of emerging technology is examined with respect to its effect or both the M2 equipped platoon leader and his forward observer. Finally, a proposed restructuring of the fire support organization within DS artillery battalions which support heavy brigades is put forth as an alternative to the current organization. The proposal considers the impact of mobility and target location accuracy as the primary motivations for these changes.
Keyword	Mechanized infantry; M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle; Tanks; Forward observers (FO); Army doctrine; Military technology; Fire support; Field Artillery; Forward areas; Close support; Combined arms; Maneuvers; Platoon level; Fire support team (FIST); Combat Observation and Lasing Team (COLT); Mobility; Firepower
Series	Command and General Staff College (CGSC), School of Advanced Military Studies (SAMS) Monograph
Publisher	Fort Leavenworth, KS : US Army Command and General Staff College,
Date, Original	1993-12-17
Date, Digital	2007
Resource Type	Textual
Format	PDF; Adobe Acrobat Reader required; 61 p.; 2.25 MB.
Call number	ADA 288931
Release statement	Approved for public release; Distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)
Repository	Combined Arms Research Library
Library	Combined Arms Research Library Digital Library
Date created	2007-08-10

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