As the Army transitions to the 21st Century, it will make changes based on new threats and technologies, the world environment, and the national security strategy. These changes help generate a warfighting concept, which then provides the foundation for changes in U.S. Army doctrine, training, organization, materiel, and leader development (DTOML). AirLand Operations is the latest warfighting concept. This monograph examines the future as projected by the AirLand Operations Concept to determine if the maneuver structure of the mechanized infantry battalion should change from four to three companies. The study first examines theories of the modern battlefield and organization theory to identify factors that cause organizations to change. The study then examines span of control theory to determine if there is an optimum span of control for the modern battlefield. Next, the study analyzes the "pentomic" structure and Army 86, where warfighting conditions similar to those projected by AirLand Operations were the basis for changing the mechanized battalion. The monograph then compares AirLand Battle Doctrine and the AirLand Operations Concept to identify relevant differences which would indicate a need to change the number of maneuver companies in the mechanized infantry battalion. Finally, the study compares the existing four-company organization to an alternative three-company structure to determine the advantages and disadvantages of each on the future battlefield. Three of the components of combat power--maneuver, firepower, and protection--serve as the criteria for each analysis throughout the study. Although AirLand Operations is different from AirLand Battle, the study concludes that the changes in battlefield conditions are not significant enough to warrant a change from four to three maneuver companies. Based on this conclusion to maintain the status quo, the monograph concludes with some implications for force structure, tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP), and training.

ADA 258391 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.)