The US Army is updating its doctrine and operational concepts focusing on large scale combat operations (LSCO) in an era of great power competition. An essential element of this transition is regionally aligned, forward-deployed field armies to facilitate strategic and operational maneuver. The western Pacific's archipelagic operating environment represents a prime area for great power competition with an increasingly powerful People's Republic of China. This monograph examines the characteristics of successful field army operations in the Pacific. It examines two case studies: the invasion of Leyte by Sixth Army as a component of the larger Philippine campaign and the invasion of Okinawa by Tenth Army as a more standalone major operation. Examining the importance of experience, organization, joint fires, and sealift integration yield critical insights into field army operations in the archipelagic environment.

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.)