Enhancing Mounted Maneuver Operations by Setting Conditions of Advantage through Information Environment Effects Synchronization


“We are baking in Information Advantage, not just sprinkling it on top”


MAJ Scott C. Hall Introduction


In the evolving landscape of modern warfare, the synergy between tradi- tional mounted maneuver operations and advanced non-kinetic activities (NKA) converged with non-lethal effects (NLE) capabilities have become increasingly critical as armored and cavalry units continue to spearhead decisive actions on the battlefield, like we are witnessing in Kursk, Russia. This integration and convergence is the key to achieving in- formation advantage (IA). Integrating IA into combat operations and operational and strategic plans can significantly en- hance their effectiveness and operational outcomes. This article explores how converging effects within the information environment (IE) can provide a strategic edge, enhance mounted maneuver oper- ations, provide the commander vital de- cision space, and bring forward the full menu of options that new technologies augment to support the warfighter.


The Role of Mounted Maneuver in Modern Warfare


Mounted maneuver operations remain a cornerstone of military strategy, providing rapid mobility, heavy firepower, and the ability to seize and hold key terrain. These operations involve the coordinated use of armored vehicles, cavalry units, and supporting elements to outmaneuver and overpower adversaries.


Mounted maneuver operations are de- fined by several key capabilities that make them essential on the battlefield. Mobility enables units to traverse diverse terrains rapidly, allowing them to position themselves advantageously and respond swiftly to changing conditions. Firepower is another critical component, offering both direct and indirect capabilities that can deliver significant damage to enemy forces. Additionally, the armored protec- tion provided by these units ensures the


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safety of troops and equipment, allowing them to sustain operations under fire. Finally, the shock effect, achieved through the combination of speed and force, is used to disrupt and overwhelm enemy defenses, creating opportunities for de- cisive action and victory.


However, the dynamic and complex nature of contemporary battlefields demands more than just physical capabilities. The integration of multiple synchronized NKA /NLE can affect an adversary’s cognition, human, and informational dimensions, which will produce results in the physical domain. The synchronization of each can elevate mounted maneuver to new heights, ensuring that armored and cavalry units maintain superiority across domains. To achieve this goal, leaders and planners must identify convergence windows (CW) to focus NKA/NLE like a preplanned fire mission. NKA/NLE must be preplanned well in advance of execution on the modern battlefield due to current authorities, auth- orizations, and national policy. However, during a large-scale combat operation (LSCO), there is a hope that preplanned execution orders will contain all of the authorities and authorizations a la carte.


Achieving Information Advantage in Mounted Maneuver Operations Information advantage is the condition


of possessing superior ability to collect, process, disseminate, and act on infor- mation compared to adversaries.1 For mounted maneuver operations, achiev- ing information advantage means:


Achieving information advantage in modern warfare relies on several inter- connected factors. Enhanced situational awareness provides real-time intelli- gence and data on enemy positions, movements, and intentions across the physical, information, and human dimen- tions of cyber, electronic spectrum, social constructs, culture, and cognition. This comprehensive understanding of the battlefield enables improved decision- making, where commanders can make faster, more informed decisions. By syn- chronizing non-kinetic activities and non-lethal effects assets, commanders can enhance their OODA (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) Loop, forcing adversaries into multiple dilemmas that reduce their decision-making space and grant friendly forces an information advantage (IA). Targeting becomes more effective as high- value targets and objectives are engaged from multiple angles using various NKA/ NLE. Additionally, operational security is crucial in protecting friendly forces’ move- ments and intentions from adversary de- tection and interference, ensuring the integrity of the overall mission.


Figure 1: Visualization of combination of MDO NKA/NLE and Maneuver Convergence Windows.


CAVALRY & ARMOR JOURNAL Fall 2024


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