This monograph examines the feasibility of utilizing the proposed Air Attack Division as an operational contingency force. In the future U.S. Army forces may have to rapidly respond to a variety of contingencies anywhere in the world. Currently the Army maintains various types of contingency forces to include airborne, light infantry, air assault, and mechanized divisions. Identification of the strengths and weaknesses of each type organization aids in determining the shortfalls of today's contingency forces. The proposed Air Attack Division offers a complement which may fill the identified shortfalls. A comparison of the proposed Air Attack Division to today's contingency forces provides a basis for analysis. Each organization is evaluated against the criteria of threat/terrain, deployability, combat power, and sustainability. After a detailed critical analysis, conclusions are drawn and appropriate recommendations made concerning the feasibility of utilizing the proposed Air Attack Division as an operational contingency force. This monograph concludes that the proposed Air Attack Division, assuming approval of the force structure, can effectively operate as an operational contingency force. The proposed Air Attack Division provides a broader spectrum of applicability and flexibility than the other contingency forces examined. Its great mobility and firepower enable it to defeat any foe throughout the spectrum of conflict. Centralization of the diverse weapons systems in an Air Attack Division under one headquarters increases combat effectiveness and eases the synchronization of maneuver. The addition of ground maneuver forces, air assault infantry and light armor, and direct support MLRS enhances the division's effectiveness when and where environmental conditions are not always favorable to aviation operations. The U.S. Army stands at the threshold of a unique opportunity to develop new concepts of future warfare and contingency operations. The Air Attack Division capitalizing on its inherent versatility, lethality, and deployability will play an important role.

ADA 240215 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.)