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Description
One of the most powerful, versatile, and effective weapon systems of World War II is also the least known and certainly the least understood by Americans. To the casual observer, the German assault gun looks like just another tank or tank destroyer, and these two roles encapsulate the American Soldier's main experience with assault guns. The German army's original intent for the assault gun was far different.
Whatever their value during World War II, the larger question is whether assault guns have utility in modern combat, particularly in counterinsurgency operations. The validation of assault guns depends largely on weapon system design, doctrinal incorporation, and recognition of the psychological impact assault guns bring to the battlefield.
A host of specifications influence its design. Its armor and hull must provide adequate crew protection. Assault guns must possess the tactical mobility to accompany dismounted infantry in complex terrain, in various weather conditions, and through natural and manmade obstacles. Finally, strategic and tactical airlift must be able to accommodate assault guns.
Doctrinal incorporation is the basis for justification. Assault guns must provide unique capabilities for which other weapon systems (e.g., tanks) are not well-suited or optimal, e.g., in support of infantry operations. Moreover, the assault gun must be regarded as a weapon system primarily in support of the infantry and not as a multi-purpose weapon. Assault gun units must be integral to infantry organizations, train with them, and understand infantry tactics intimately. Only in this way can infantry optimize their use for various tactical situations.
The psychological impact of assault guns cannot be overstated. Their appearance on the battlefield should strike fear and dread into the enemy while conversely elevating the morale and confidence of friendly troops. In this sense, the main gun must be of sufficient size and power to intimidate the enemy, particularly as it demonstrates the capability to destroy all manner of fortified positions with pinpoint accuracy.
This article will first review the German army's original intent for assault guns during World War II. It will also examine design specifications for modern assault guns so as to meet the needs of the military throughout the spectrum of conflict. Finally, it will assess the incorporation of assault gun battalions into infantry divisions. The conclusions will reveal that assault guns are perfectly suited for power projection ranging from low intensity to high intensity warfare.
The German Experience
The genesis of the assault gun arose from the debate during the 1930's in Germany raging between the armor and infantry communities regarding the proper combat role of armor. In essence, the infantry community regarded the tank as an infantry support weapon for tactical operations, whereas the armor community viewed the tank as an independent arm for the swift attainment of campaign objectives. The dilemma for the German army was that both the armor and infantry communities were correct in their assessments. The infantry needed an armored weapon system with sufficient firepower and mobility to allow... |
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