Air Mech XXI is a revolutionary concept of maneuver warfare that displaces the current heavy-mechanized doctrine as the dominate form of land combat in the next century. The concept, developed by the author, uses rotary wing aircraft to project a combined arms forces that maneuvers at significantly greater speed and depth than current heavy armored formations. It solves the limitations in ground mobility, protection and firepower associated with current light force designs and maximizes the benefits of the digitalized battlefield and advances in precision weapons. The Air Mech XXI design provides a theaterwide force with air assault agility and the lethality to destroy heavy armor, while retaining a substantial mechanized combat capability. This concept sounds the end of the land battleship heavy tank doctrine and heralds the full integration of air and ground maneuver. The proposed new warfighting doctrine is presented in an interim and objective divisional model. The interim design uses current helicopters and armored vehicles that are in production. The objective design uses purpose built aircraft and vehicles. The thesis compares the Air Mech XXI divisions to current U.S. Army organizations, to determine their relative combat value.

ADA 312888 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.)