Three expeditionary problems show why the label alone cannot define a force. A European commitment may need an armored or mechanized division with enough tanks, cavalry, infantry carriers, and mobility to participate in maneuver warfare. NATO's northern flank instead calls for a self-sufficient infantry-heavy brigade suited to mountainous Arctic terrain and able to move along the coast or insert under fire. Britain might send a continental formation through the Channel Tunnel or across the narrow seas in commercial roll-on/roll-off shipping if the rear area is secure. The United States faces a longer transatlantic problem and may prefer to pre-position equipment and fly personnel forward. Moving complete formations by sea creates convoys and consumes escorts, linking army readiness directly to sealift and naval force structure.
Chapter · 48:01-50:41
Designing expeditionary forces for the theatre
European maneuver warfare, the Arctic northern flank, and transatlantic reinforcement demand different formations, transport plans, and naval protection.