This study determines if the 105-mm howitzer should be the future direct support weapon system for light forces from now until the year 2010 and beyond. As the Army prepares to enter the twenty-first century, there is a current capabilities void towards an indirect fire weapon system that supports a mission profile for light forces able to conduct forced entry operations and have airborne and air assault capabilities. The analysis for this study compares the 105-mm howitzer against a 120- mm mortar and a towed 155-mm howitzer to determine which weapon system is capable of supporting light forces. Lethality, mobility, and survivability are the overall measurements of criteria comparing these three weapon systems against each other. Evaluating each weapon system's capabilities in relation to the criteria of measurements reveal strengths and weaknesses inherent with the characteristics of the indirect firing platform. Final analysis determines that the 105-mm howitzer should be the future direct support weapon for light forces by consistently ranking within the competing parameters of evaluation. Analysis depicts how the 105-mm howitzer does not rank in the low end for any of the measurements of criteria as compared to the 120-mm mortar and 155-mm howitzer. Comparison data reveals that muzzle loaded mortars have inherent internal and weapon associated characteristics that limit the accuracy of the weapon system to effectively fire on a target.

ADA 367676 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.)