'_, ~ .. 

HEADQUAR'l'ERS 

.h:UROPF.AN 'l'HEA'l'ER OF OPERAJIONS 

UNITED STATES Am 

AG 475 UpGC 

SUBJECT: .ArJltY' Ground Force, Equipment Review Board, Preliminary Study 

TO . . The Chief of Staff',, United States Arrr(y, \lashington, l>.C. 

Al-0 887 

27 June 194!:1 

1. ltef'erence is made to letter from General ?.Jarshall to General Eisenhower, 

fl.le .iD&DS/72740, dated 12 lfay 1945. (Inclosure 1) 

2. The subJect study has been reviewed by Headquarters, 6th and 12th Army 

Groups, Third, Seventh, ~inth and Fi~eenth US Amil.es, XVIII Corps (Airborne~ and 

this headquarters. ' 

J. Each section or the board report is attached as an inclosure with the 

remarks and reconunendations of this theater. (Inclosures 2 through 20) 

4. This theater is in general agreement with the maJority of the recommendations expressed in the board report. The major exceptions and additions &'l'e briefly. __ outlined below: -.-

!.• Armor with the Infantry Division (Section II, par 8c(5)). 

It is the opinion o:f this theater that some armC>r should be orsanic 

in the in:fantry division (See Cable E-96884, this headquarters, dated 10 February 

1945). ... 

b. Tank Destroyers (Section V). 

. 

l 

It is recommended that future development or tank destroyers a,pd tanks ~ 

I 

be combined to produce vehicles capable of perfornu.ng the misSJ.ons currently beine 

performed 'DY" both o! these weapons. l. 

~· Airborne !iiqll1pment (Section VIlI 1 par 46). 

It is recommended that the developinent doctrine for airbornP equipment ~ be the minimization of special equipment. It is not believed practicable to ell.nu- - nate the special equipment required to transport, drop, and assemble airborne 

personnel and equipment,, and that required :for use during the purely airborne 

assault phase when troops clre expected to hdve to operate as a (Troup of munteP,rated, 

self-custaim nr: um.ts. 

~· .Air Support •:.qtLipment. {~ection IX, par J11~a). 

lt. is recommended that all high performance aircra:rt remain an or~am c 

part of the air force, and that normal r,round force requirements f'or liaison and 

helicopter type aircraft be assigned to the r,round forces, but continue to be supplied and ui.:1.1nta1ned by air force tyPe um ts. 

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SE€RE~ ----1- ~~ '1~ \ - 1 -

eclassifi ed and a roved for release b NSA on 04-18-2014 ursuantto E .0. 1352 
REF ID:A65584 

SECRET 

e. Seacoast Artillery' Equipment (Section I, par S2a). 

It is believed that the basic concept of coast defense as outlined 

in the board study should be revised to lay emphasis on mobile equipment with a 

minimum of tized installations. 

!• CODDDunication EquiPJl!!nt (Section XVIII, par 88). 

lhe ma.Yi •1'al practicable integration of the comunications system is a 

worttv" objective upon which to base the future development of signal equipment. 

However, it is not believed practicable to effect complete integration under the 

responsibilit7 of a single agenc7 and maintain the highl1' desired, present basic 

principle of cOllllllUd responsibility far signal cOJDlllUllications. Tactical development and training should be a responsibility of the Signal Corps • 

• 

FOR THE THEATER COllWIDER: 

~~ R. B. LOVETT 

Brigadier General, USA 

Adjutant General 

20 Incle: 

Incl l - Ltr, Gen 11 Marshall to Gen'l Eisenhovrer, 

dtd 12 lfay 1945. 

Incle 2 to 20 - ETOUSA Review of .AGF Equipment 

Review Board Preliminary Study (Sections 

II through XI in duplicate). 

SEGRET 

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seeRET 

COPY 

- i.DGDS/72740 

Col Shinkle/mtg 12 Lay 1945 

Dear hisenhoaar: 

Brigd.cL.or General Benjamin G. Ferri& and Colonel H. p. van oner are 

delivering to you copiee ot Arm:I Ground Forces 8!ulpaant Kevi.ew Board Stud¥. 

This stuczy is sent to 70u tor your revi-, remarks and recOlilRendationa. 

Identical copies are boing sent to General l:.acArthur, General uctiamoy, u.nu. 

to the major commands here in . 'a&hington. Thia procedure is being tolloued 

to det the beat opinions available on the equipment needs now and 1n the 

tutu:re ror our a~. The dl''\.a so eathered \"ill !om the basis of a study 

whic}1 will have a s1.ronc and l:iat.Lf16 otrect on our oqu1pwont. 

I consider tl1is s t.ucij• oj equipment u£ paranount and .l.a.stin& Jmpurt.mce. 

tou "nill reme.mber the ·:estervelt noard after ~lorld 'Jar I and it.a diroct err( ct on 1.hc .... oapons witi1 l'lhich you are now equipped. uvon tl10 exceJ.lenco or 

this new study will depend to a large degree our tuture progress 111 the 

all-iJILpOrtant. field or i..oapons. 

General rer'.l"is and "'olonel .;an c.n.cr ~ro Jt. your dJ.Spus..U 1..o aasiot 111 

the mechanl.cs or your review. I should appreciate it 1£ they can retum t.o 

t.to or :Jepa.rtlnont ,JJ.1.l your reiuarkl- and rac01.nendat1ons on t.he study oi' tne 

Jo.quiprn.ent aavin noard prior to )0 J\1119 1945. 

Ger1eral of the Arm.Y L'Aight D. F.iaenhcmer 

• uprene Commander, l·lllell ~.xpud,,,,tJ.or.ary Forces 

Jleadquartera, Communications one .. uropean Theater or Cpcra1.J.Oll9, U.J.I 

Pllr1s, Prance 

'F' 

·, . I sEeRET I '

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1'"ai thtully yours, 

(Sgd) G. C. l ~rshall 
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CECRElJ .. 

:&:.rCIJBA. REVlltl OF 

- .&Rm' GRaJIJ> FORCES. !QIJIPJ.IEDT REVI&Y BO.ARD. 

PRELIMINARY REPORT -

SECTION 11. IRFAN'l'RY B1J1PMENT 

Seotion • II is concurred in with the following additions and exoegtiona 1 

l. Add to par 71 •fhe proposed. weapon 1hould be capable ot automatic 

and smat.-automatlo tire. should have a gl"tmada discharger u an integral 

pU't, and should be equipped with ab~ atud and cleaning rod. Cona:lderatlon should also be given to the provision ot a fluh hider and silaoer 

similar to the attaohm.ent on the German MM4." 

2. Add to par 8a(l). "!his gun should have the following desirable 

features1 

a. Autamat:lo headapaoe adjustmmt. 

'be Barrel which will not OTerheat under sustained tire. or a barrel 

designed tor.rapid interchange. 

o. .& prorislon to p81"11d.t the use ot 'both belt and maguine feeding.• 

8e Add to par 8a(2)1 11!his 1198.pOD should alao have a quick change barrel 

and autamat:lc httadapaoa adju•'taunt features. n 

4. Add to par 8b(l)a "Traverse should be inoreaaed without losa ot 

atabll:11i7• Re••"1"oh should be oondacted ln the uae of light-wight all07a I • 

and 1!!8"tala tor the purpose ot reducing t~ TMight of all mortar a. n 

. &. Delete par 80(2). Reason.a !he developwt ot tank 4estroyera aa 

a separate oategoey of Tehiolea is not reoommancled (aee Section V). !he 76mm 

• 

reoo:llleaa gma :la be11eve4 to 'be a satlafaot01"7 ourren't replaoement for the 

&7'nlm gun. 

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6. Delete par 8c(5). Reason: It is strongly recommended that tanka 

be organic in the inf'antry division. The tank-infantry team ia insoluble in 

attack and mat be thoroughly integrated as an organic team. 

7. In lieu ot last sentence, par 8d(l). substitute: n!his wapon 11:1.11 

replace and not supplement the 2.36 inch launcher. 11 

8. Add to par 9b(3)s "The new vehicle should be mre rugged than the 

present iVeasel and desicned to 111.thstand long trips over paved roads at 

convoy speeds." 

9. .Amend par 9c(lh "The present individu.al web equipment should be 

improved by reducing its \Yeight,, increasing its coJlltort, and providing better 

f'a.stenings without otherwise changing its characteristics." 

10. Add to par 9da 

"(5) Hight firine; d8Vl.ces should be provided for all infantry 

vreapons. 

" ( 6) .An improved form or d:ltf'used light to create artificial 

:moonlight ror infantry operations should be provided and placed under di vision control." 

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ETOUSA REVIEW OF 

- .AlUt! GROUND FORCES II EQUIPI£NT lU.'VIEW' BOARD II 

PRELIMINARY STUDY -

SECTION III,, ARMORED EQUIPAiEN'r 

Section III, is oonourred in with the exceptions and additions outlined belows 

l. Add to par l2a1 

"{ l) The power to weight ratio must be increased over present standards to provide far greater tlexib1l1ty and a power reserve tor extra hard 

go mg. 

{ 2) More sim.ple mountings and couplings should be deve~oped to expedite enr;ine changing. I.At ss 1ni' la.mma ble rue ls should be. exploited. n 

2. Add to par l2b1 

"( l) T\le suspension system must be so designed a.a to provide tor continued temporary ope1ation enn though da.ma.~e ha.a been incurred in part or the 

system. 

( 2) Primary consideration in track design should be given to reduction of ground pressure1 eight (8) pounds per square inch is suggested maxim'lDJ1. 

( 3) Interohangeo.bili ty or tracks betnen corresponding type of 

vehicles should be maximmn practicable,, and the general purpose combat track 

should be capable of mountint; ice cleats or caulks. 11 

3. In lieu ot pa.r 12d,, substitute 1 "The development ot guns should be 

predicated on the principle that the best tank destroyer gun is the best tank 

i:;un. This development should be based on the requirements or,, and mider the 

direction of the using services. 

(1) Lon~ gwi tube life should be reduced in £avor or hie;h velocities. 

CECRE:lJ 

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REF ID:A65584 

• GECRE1 

(2) Tank gun ammunition tor present oallbers sh"Ould be fixed, and 

of auoh lengtb and diameter of base of shell oaae aa 1• neoeaaary to insure 

adequate rate of i'ire and BJlllllunition ato-.ge oapaoity; and to avoid exoaa• 

a1 ve gun breeoh size, orowding oi' the figliting oompartment, and ex:oesa1 'V8 

nanipulation of ammunition in unpaoldng, ato111ng, and loading.• 

4. Add to par 121 

11f. The noiae produoed by tanks and other full traoked vehiolea 

nmst be reduced by reduction of engine, ema.uat, traok and other meohanical 

noises. 

g. Intensive aoientif'ic research should be initiated With a 'Vin 

to producing improwd armor plate or greater strength and reaistanoe and leas 

wei~t. Methods of counteraoting the etfeotiwneaa of projeotilea employing 

t."ie !':on.roe shaped oharge prinoiple must be discovered. Continuing effort 

should be made to exploit radical designs in tank hulls to obtain :naximum 

advantage of conformation to provide increased protection. 111.thout increase 

in weie;h,t. 

h. Every effort should be nade to minimize crowding of the 

1'1ght1n~ compartment oonsistont w1 th fire power requirements. n 

5. Reference par 138. (1), (2~ and (3)1 It is recommended that the 

classification of tanks as light,, medium,, and hea'VY be abandoned,, and the tanks 

listed in these paracra.phs be referred to as "reconnaissance", "exploiting", 

and 111n.fantry supporting" tanks, respectively. • 

6. Add to par 13o1 "Amphibious tonks should be de1ii;ried especially 

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REF ID:A65584 

GECRElJ 

tor •••a ult landing•• and future development ahould provide tor tiring the 

tank gun while still floating. Traokll ahould be ~•signed With speo1al equipmnt to aid in orawling up steep or 1l1ppeey bankll. These tan.ta ahould be 

operated by organio ,amphibioua aHault battalions and not by standard battalion• trained and. re-equipped tor apeoial operf tiona." 

' . 

7. Add. to par 13d1 Amphibian kit• ahould permit the uae ot the primaey 

wapon while the whiole is floating. Dewlopment or tank landing kite should 

al10 ••t the requirements of' riwr oroaainga. inoluding ability to oroaa ourrenta. • 

a. Add to par 141 

"•• Rooket launohera must not interfere in any way w1 th the use ot 

the tank• a nornal armanent. 

b. A flame thrower as a primary 118&pon should be capable ot 250 to 

300 19-ri• range with a ruel oapaoity ot 500 gallons. and output of' at least 

five gallons per shot~ and a positive ignition system." 

9e Add to par 1501 

"(l) Consideration should be given to the provision of' aeata that 

taoe out. and annored aides equipped with a quiok release deTioe to taoili• 

ta.te rapid di.Bmounting. 

(2) All personnel carriers should be designed large enough to oarry 

the oombat bed rolls and :rations tor the crew as wall as the men and their 

equipment. 

(3) One of these cargo carriers should be readily adaptable as an 

armored command post vehicle. 

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6EGPE1 

ETOUSA BEVIE1l OF 

- ARMY GROUND FORCJ!:S, EQ'JIPl:ENT REVI~Uf BOARD, 

PBELIMINARY STUDY -

SECTION IV, FIELD ARTILLERY 

Section IV is concurred in with the following exceptions and addi tiona 1 

J... Add to par l9bc "However, aui"ficient fire control equipment should 

be retained in uni ta to preclude COl!lplete dependence upon the oollllllOD tire 

direction center when it is necessary or desirable to decentralize.• 

2. In lieu or last sentence par 2la, substitutes "The miHions torm.erly pertormed by the 4.5-inch gun should be undertaken °h'J all-purpose 

antiaircraft gmia in the caliber band 90 - 120r.im assigned to artillery 

3. Add to par 2la: "ImproveJl'l8nt in these weapons is desirable both 

as "wo accuracy and as to •¥earing qm.11 ties, particularly with reference to 

the 8•inch l;lm• An aCC\\r&Cy equal to that of the 6-inch howi t&er should be 

sought for all hoWitzers." 

4. Add to par 2lb: "It is possible that r.d11ions that will be aHigned to these gt.ms could be perfoZT1.ed better by free rockets and guided missilea; however, tmtil such time as the accuracy of these weapons .can equal 

that or artillery, a limited number or such guns should be developed." 

5. Add to par 2lc1 "It 11 recommended that a. rocket with similar 

capabilities be de"'9loped. 11 

6. Add to par 23: "It is desirable t.llet all gmJ.s, howitzers and mortars be oa.pable or firin~ 9.t a minimum. range or 4.ooo yards. Tank destro:,ier guns as such should be omitted from the chart. (See renarks, par 28, 

Section V.) It is furt~er considered that either. but no~ both, a 76.mrn gun 

or e. 3-inch gtm should be cn·eloped. 11 (Note - Chert s-io ild be ar.ended according:.y.) 

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REF ID:A65584 

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7 • Aclcl par 26a1 "az:lnnm traftrae ahould be inoorpora tad in the 

cle•iga. of all oarrlage•.• 

a. Acl4 a par 2?a(t)1 "In OO.llJ\DLOtion with other eleotrical equipamat tor looa1:1Dg. direot:t.ng. and adjuating the fire of all diJ'!lot or 1ndireot tire •apcma on hoatile target•, radar equipment ahould reduoe the 

use of •P•• aurvey, and obaenation in the man.euwr of fire of theae 

wapana.• 

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REF ID:A65584 

ETOUSA Rl!."'VIEvi OF 

- ARMY GROUND FORCES, EQUIPMENT REV'IE1l BOARD, 

PlU.LI•fi:NARY STUDY -

SECTIOH V, 'rM:K DESTROYER EQUIPMENT 

1. This theater does not con.our in the basic premise of Section v, viz., 

that a separate line or tank destroyer vehicles is required. The characteristics 

required in tanks and in self-propelled to.nk destroyers for fichting tanks are 

so t. lik.e that there is no justirica tion for a separate l i.ne or tank destroyer ~ 

vehicles. The f'ollowin~ discussion on the basic aho.racteristics of tanks and 

tank destroyers is presented in support or this nonooncurrenoes 

a. Gun Power: It is an essential requirement of tanks that they carry 

e;ms of' the maximur1. annor-pierci:"J.g power that can be mounted on the whiole. This 

is also the primary requirement or a self-propelled tank destroyer. For examples 

if' the 25-ton h&ht tank destroyer can carry a weapon that will shoot throui;h 8 

inches of" armor at l,000 yards, then why is not this san1e vehicle the 25-ton. light 

l 

tank? 'l'he answer is that if the 25-ton vehicle can carry the more powarful gun, 

it should carry it and it shoulrl be t.~e 25-ton liC}lt tank. 

b. fiobili ty t,obili ty is the second nost inportant characteristic in 

tanks, ):>llrticularly or the li~ht and medil.Ul'l classes, and e~pecially in those tanks 

intended for use uith armored divisions. 'Tobility is also the second 111ost im-

:iortant cha.rec toristic in the desir,n of tank destro~,-er equipment to be used Wl. th 

~rmcred divisiono. In t~e c~se oi' tanks to be used in close support of infantry 

divisions, a1i1or motect.Lon ?.Ssumes c;reo..ter importo.nce and thero is e. universal 

opinion that less mobili tJ, :inrticul1uly as reco.rds speed, can be accepted in a 

tank for t,li.!J t1urpose. In combat. in support of infantry, there is less opportuni. ty 

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SEGRE) 
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REF ID:A65584 

BECRE] -. 

tor 88D9unr. the terraiD 1• gaen.117 le•• auS.table tor taaa. um itMJ ..... 

trequentl)r oanali1•d• prewntlng mneuwr1 thm the •1• ot azmr :lDorea•••• 

Th••• taotor• haw dneloped a deaire tor greater proteoticm in the tank ua•d 

ill th1• role. Liklnl••• w.lth reapeot to the tank deatro)l9r equ1PD8Jlt, oom'bat in 

' FRAMCB ha• deJDOD1tra.ted \bat the auperior ma'bili ty of our tank d••1iroJer whiolea, 

partioularly ae to speed, •• not an e1aent1al require.at. Like th• tank, moN 

armor proteotion •• desired for operation• of th11 1:1Pe 1n oloae support ot 

infantey. 

o. Armor Proteotiona Th10Jme1• of armor ta.De third pla.oe 1n the ocm .. • 

f'lioting oha:raoteriatio• in 'both the tank and tank destroyer whiolea 1lhen oon• 

aidered tor emplo)'Dlnt 1n the role ot an armored di"ri.aion. Aa outlined 1n para• 

graph b above, when in support of intantey cl1"ri.a1ona, greater proteotiOIL 1• de• 

aired and a aacritice 1n mobility, partioularly With respeot to apeed, i• 

a.ooepta.ble. 

d. Overhead Cover1 Ini ts.ally our tank destroyer vehioles had open top 

turrets. The fighting in EUROPI has demonatrated a requirement tor oloaed tops 

to the turret&. 

•• ISohine Gma1 To date our tank destroyer vehiolea have carried no 

machine guns exoept tor AA uachi.De guns• Thia laok or •ohiDe ~uns has proven to 

be a disadvantage, particularly in offensive ba.ttles. In this ocmneotiOZL, it 1• 

wall to note that the Uni tad Sta tea tights defensive -.rs but oi'f'enaive ba.ttlea. 

The additional weight and complication required to put comparable machine gun .the 

pov.ier into the tank destroyer deai&n is amply Ju&tified by the additional orrensi'99 

a..11d defonsive pol'ler that can be obtained at a negligible loaa to the vehiole•a AT 

oapabili ties. ProvidinG machine eun i'ire pOl•r for these aelf'-propelled AT guns 

enables them to fight wi. th the ini'rmtry on a par with a tank and thus be employed 

profitably in the abaenoe oi' immediate 11nd large-scale tank threats. 

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f. P1re Cantrol1 The aam type ot integrated direot fire ocm.trol a71tem 

and auxiliary indireot fire oontrol equiPMD.t are required. in 'botll. tanka aad 

tank deatropra. 

\ 

g. llla.aoellaneoW11 Other charaoteriat1oa required in the two wh1olea, 

suoh aa gromd preaaure, speed, Tiaicm., e1fo., are essentially the sam. 

h. 'lurreta1 So long aa self-propelled tank deatroyer guns muat haw 

-turret gm mounta permitting 360° traverse, then their oharaoteristioa 111.ll be 

ba.aically those ot a tank. It is acreed that aelt'-propell•d tank deatroyer gun.a 

should be oonstructed with 3800 trawrae. Ollly by abandoning the 3500 turret om 

an AT r;un motor oarriage be built that will differ materially 1n silhouette and 

ohara.cteristios from a tank. The 360° turret is an easential feature of the gm 

mount atablized in eleiN:tlcan and azimu.th as visualized in this paper. 

2. It is reooJ111118Dded that Section V be deleted and the t'ollow.lne; addi t1cma 

nade to other sections ot the report1 

Eh Change par 13a,, Seotion III,, Armor Equipment a Replace "The following 

tanka should be dewloped" by "The f'ollow1ng tanks, for use also as tank destroyer 

(i.e.,, tankjtank destroyer),, should be developed." 

b. Add a par 2le, Section IV,, Field Artillery Equipment1 "There should 

be a. t0118d tank destroyer gun developed whose primary mission is the destruction 

ot tanks with 1m1ximum thiclm.esa of armor." 

3. If tank destroyers are to rerain in their present status,,, the following 

• 

cha.ne;es are reoo•:1...:inclcd in Section Vt 

a. Delete par 29ri. 

b. .Add to par 29bt "Capable of' roo.d speeds of' 40 miles per llour.n 

o. Add to par 32aa "Indirect fire control equipinent sho\lld also be 

provided." 

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GECRElJ 

ETOUSA RBVIEW OF 

• ARl4t GROUND FORCES• EQUIPiaT REVIEW BOARD 

PRELiltINARY STUDr -

SECTION VI, CAVALRY EQUIP!DT 

Seotian VI ia oanourred in w1 th the f'ollow1n.g addi tian1 

l. Add to par 3501 "Theaa whiolaa are apaoial purpoae whiolaa and are 

intended f'or general uae 1 rather than f'or organic equlpmen t of' J1119ohani zed uni ta• n 

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0 

GECRElJ 

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REF ID:A65584 . . .:- . 

CECRE:lJ 

I!.'l'CXI CA lL!: l/I.!o'• Qlo' 

-ARi~ Glt UNu FORC~s. ~'1IY. • .&"'T HJ:i•rx..::;1 .ar.AP.D 

I-~"JCLD ,D.A..'r.! STU'slr -

I 

93C.a:ImT v _1,, Al .L':U.J'h.(hlA!<·.r ~t,iJIP. El~~· 

Section VII is concurred in with the tolla\ling adnitio11a1 

1. And to po.r 401 .. "In addition,, mobility" of' all m.ounta ahoul'i oe tn-

' 

creased and better 011-oarriage sirhta shoul~ be provided tor autcJ11S.tic ueapona. 

A certain am~111t at armor for protection ~ personnel is also desirablo for 

automatic wea,ans mounts. • Since antiaircrai't is an intesral part ot ~.he 

1~round rorce team,, \"he improvement ot v;eapons should al so be directed toward:1 

~reatcr ndaptability to ~rouna roles. J•aunts should be capa.olo of rapid, 

emplacement and withdrawal,, and weapons should be capaole of tiri~. at 

negative an~lea or elevation in all uirections.". 

2. Au.cl 1.o par l2a.a "All mounts tor ani:;ie.ircraf't u.nits in ar "'./ 11 reu.s 

sn.ould be 0:£' "Ghe self-propelleC:., niul Giple type. '.11ie ccl1b'er .50 antiaircraft 

l"l&Chinc ~n is of sllch vali.e that carct11l co11s1dera.ticn s'ioulC\ oe :;1ven 

before re 1lac.&.J1b this Neapon by T:1e- 20mrn gun. In order to i..o af'i'ec .. ;i.v0,, l'!f': 

.f'ollow1n:.; &rt:i.nimu.m rates of .t'ire r~st be met oy ~he new super-veloc. ... tv ?\!I.I 

(1) ' unrJe veapon, '/! (J rounr_s per mina..te. 

{2) ·" tr.U.ltinlo Yl8&• on,, S,,000 ro11n~a J?Gr 11'.1:aute. n 

~. •""'r" "' ... o ":>ar 42c: "This ur.. shou.l•i oo cf p~ble o: O:l{,11 in s C£l "'11a.rlets 

ai: a ::i1nur..ll'l ra.nc;;e of no e-rea:l""l' "'·~ 4,,000 yards,. in rrt!er t'o overl:. ri .:le 

4. "'~ d ':..l par 'Sa: Reaearoh ~hould inclu ·o n .. v. meta.a ~s. : tire cc.n:..rol 

!'or "'.,.!1.El .iroviEion oi' def'cnse a~~.1.nsi "'/-?. J:n1'3'llos." 

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REF ID:A65584 

GECRElJ 

Jin'OUSA. REVIE'V' OF 

- AR!lY GROUND FO.tlCES, ~UIPJll!i""NT REVIi« BOARD, 

PRELIMINARY STUDY -

SECTIQ.N VIII, AIRBORNE EQUIPMENT 

• 

~ . .. 

Section VIII is concurred in wit.h t;qe following additions and exceptions: 

l. In lieu of par 1&61 substitutes ''The Airborne Division should be 

capable of the same sustained action as the ground division and should be organized and equipped in accordance wit.h this concept. In addition to the combat 

equipment of the standard infantry division, special equipnent is required. 

This equipment involv4's that necessary for t.ransporting, dropping, and assembling 

or personnel a!ld equipment.'after dropping, and material designed to be used 

during t.he airborne assault phase when the airborne troops are expected to 

operate as a group of unintegrated self-sustaining units. The following are 

special equipment requirements considered essentials 

a. Non-oscillating parachute, possi~ of t.riangular design, with 

means of deceleration. 

b. Light-weight parachute for gliderists. 

c. Quick release device for parachute which obviat.e removal of I 

equipment. 

d. Small equipment bundle complete with canopy which may be Jumped 

on parachutists, released during descent and controlled by line attached to 

jwnper. 

e. Quick release tie-down tor lashing equipment in glider. 

f. Improved equipment for dropping supplies and heavy equipment. 

The present. method of dropping supplies is inefficient with reference to the 

ratio of pay load to gross weight, and lacks necessary pattern control. '.Lhe 

use of bomb-like containers, technique of release, and aid to develop ac-

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curacy should be .rnvest.ir,ated so that droppinf of equipment and supplies can 

be done from varyinr altitudes \a.th the pattern and accuracy of present day 

bombing. .1.11e use of bonib-like cont.uners nth time or proxirra.ty (fuse) parachute release devices should be investigated to permit dropping of supplies 

from hJ.gh altitudes and at ereater speeds. Research shou1d begin immediately 

for the development of para-crates and frames to drop larger caliber artillery, 

vehLcles, raaios, etc. It is believed that loads of ~reater weight and dimensions of t11e one-quarter ton trucl ... can better be landed by glider. 

e. I1nproved communications, aircraft to aircra1t, to permit last 

nu.nute instructions ana cooraination between units. 

h. Improved comrnum.cations, eround to air, to permit airborne troops 

already on ground to instruct incorra.nf troops as to best landing areas. 

i. Continued .:unprovement in pathfinder technique to include use of 

infra-red, raaar ancl directional antenna. 

J• Lighter weight gas mask. 

k. ~treamlined aids for briefing airborne troops at take-off a:irdr01nes. '.L'ime allowed for this all-important instruction is often inadequate. 

The use of rubber sand tables and recently developed photos is suggested. 

1. Camouf laf;eC Jump SU.Lt 'Wl.th removable liner. 

m. Infantry rifle recommended in Section II of s!1ort1:r lenei:.h or 

d=td.cltabJc E>tock to fac.ilitate JW'lping. 

n. Lignt-weieht wat.e1 p1 oof covers for all weapons. 

o. Operations tent and equipment bundle for um.ts down to compaey 

whica ca.n be dropped by parc1.chute. 

p. Improved day and night assembly aids for personnel and equil-'f'ent. 

Use of infra-red, direction antenna and induction frequency locator recommended. 

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q. Pack board::. and other er1\J.ip111e::nt carryi.n.~ devu.e::, 1.o ue U5cd Olll 1 n: 

tl1e J ni tial 'Sta~es of ar1 a.t.rborne assa11lt. 

r. .Psychological wedpons, such a~ battl::-fJ.t:.lc. noi-:.c. nwJa..nr• c.evic..c s, 

to be dropped Jn enemy line~. 

s. l.mprovement in dJ rborne m.ed.ic.al suppli.es. 11 

2. Add to pd.r L17a: "Airplane and ehder developmt-nt sroulll include controlled deceleration, helicopter des~ent, seli-sealin,.1 fuel td.ri.ks, protective 

armor ana arraa.ment., and hiph cruJ sine opeed. 11 

\. 

~. Add to par 47c(l)(a): "Further study should be made tmYard usine 

fighter type aircrd.ft as a more pra.ct.ical solut.J.on for t.ovnnr, rli.der~. 11 

I 4. Add to par 47c{l)(bJ: 11'1.'his 1~hder is prd.cti.cd.l only in casP it does 

not require too laxee a land..Lnc zone. 11 

5. Add a par 47c(l)(b)(JJ: "Power gliders capable of tcLki.ng off eJUpty 

or lightly loaded with casualt.Les and returro.ne to base. 11 

6. Add a par 47e: "For operatJon over wate1, aircraft should be capalJle 

of floating with full load. 11 

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REF ID:A65584 

BECRElJ 

E'fCU5A 3.iWlI: r OF 

- AID.IT' G'tOUi''D !\ .":.C • .J, .::; .ulP •. :;:..N't .mv .1.l!:i. 10JdD, 

~:LIL'UuuU .... TliD:i'.' -

r..zc·rruN IX, Alt SuPPC •• 'l' 

• 

Section IX is concurred in with the follovn.n;,; aad.d.ions anu exce! .. t.Lor s: 

l. In lieu of par hOa, subst.L1..u'\.e: 11All high performance aircraft ::;,hould 

remain an orgam.c part of the Air '.:i'orces and normal Ground Ji'orce requ1re11tents 

for liaison and helicopter type aircraft should be assigned to the Ground 

Forces, but should continue to be supplied and maintained ~· Air l•orce type 

ulll.ts. It is desirable to have photo~raphl.c and reconnaissance aircra~ 

available with arnu.es and corps as reqw.red, but under no circumstances 

should tighter-bomber and transportation type-aircraft. be placed orr,anically 

in the armies. 11 

Tlus latter statement is made for the following reasons: 

a. Operations lYith fighter-bomber and transportation type aircraft 

can only be employed in a sector where we have em. ned all' superiority. 

b. The successful employment of fighter-bombers and transportation 

type aircraft depends on their protection from enellG" fighters by top cover I 

which will continue to be furm.shed by Air Force fiehters. 

c. The fact that fignter-bombers are not assigned as organic air-

. craft to the ground forces aoes not preclude tne development of equipment, 

tactics, and techmques for close support of ground troops. 'l'hl.s requirement 

could be met by designating a portion of tne A.Lr Force d u:n.ne peace t.Ll"'le whose 

primary mission is to develop close support techniques. Tlus appears to be 

the most feasible method of insuring that develo~ent is carried on in tlus 

most important i'l.eld. 

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REF ID:A65584 

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4. Aaeigmumt ot ~ght,e~'ballbere to groan4 toroee would Mlce it 

' ~ 2111oh more dlffloult to mee Jh• air effort :ln tl"ont ot &DJ' OJl8 &1'111' there-

'bJ' reaultiDg in & loee of tlwbS.lity of &ir power 11h1.oh U. 'been a moet 

:lmportat taotor iD our opera.ts.om. 

•• !he lo•• ot the etteot of pattern bombing 1D oloae eupport 

opere.tS.qu will far outweigh &117 &dnnt&ge the ground toroea aJ' gain by ha"fiJig 

ftghter-boabere orgamoall7 ueignecl. .. t. In ec:me operatiou the bombing effort•• ••te4 4ue to poor 

1'111 'be greatq inore&aed it &!ror&ft are uaigne4 orguioall7 to groa4 

toroea. 

2. Dllete par tab. Beuon1 Prea:lae outlim4 in 48& aboYe. 

Se Delete par "8o(l)e ~80DI The operatiOlll 1D thill theater ban 

pl"0'9'9Jl 'beJ'OD4 doubt that penom.el operating airoraft :ln direot 1upport of 

groUD4 troops -..y gS.Te uoellent aupport with no lcnrnrledge of grollDd W.otiea 

other than that upla.1.ned to tha at the pretlight brietiDg 'bJ' the Ground 

Lia1.1on Oftioer and the 11Lf'onaat1on th97 reoeiTe tram the forward oontroller 

during 'the :rlight. nae requirement tor a team with one oowcter. w belien • . will alwa19 be met aa long u 119 ocmt1me to deaigaate a Supreme Commander 

tor a theater of operat1ona. 

'· Beferenoe par '80(.ft) 1 

It 1a reoonnended tbat the priorit)' be obanged bJ' 4el:lgnating clitferent pl"im.r,y m1aaiou to aepal"&te aeotiom of the air toroea and ohargiJlg 

them with a aeoon.da17 miaaion of oonata.ntl7 arranging traimne; prograaa 11bioh 

will enable other aeotiom ot the air toron to praotioe 'the taotioa md 

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REF ID:A65584 

' 

the tealmiqu••• 

It la beline4 that the air-graaml te. oaa )te •cle,mall,m:re et• 

teotiT• bJ reorgud.aillg ua4 !Bprn111g tM 7.uo aad 'mo •111.._. wld.oh were 

ter 1• the mat lllportaat tanor !a idle•• operatiou &IUl ahoal.4 'be •'1ac1ie4 

w!:th. tlut 'ti.- of aaopting the •-'t:JP• oenter tor Al'llJ aa4 Cozt»• inatallatlom. 

&. Delete lu't line of par Gb. 'Bllam 11.1 l'Nld.•• outllm4 ill Ma, 

•'boYe· 

8. Md to par ,991 •j, T8r;y' deftzdte U94 tor thia 'tJpe airo:raft mtla'ta 

tor imu41ate :N•1uppl7 ot 1aolate4 'Dita. It l• auggeatecl that a poel be 

e•tabllahecl a't Al"JllN • lnel tor attaabmmb to ope:r&tlllg Corp• encl D1...S.aiom.• 

7. Acld. to par &Oa1 •rarther ••117 aDd clnelopmzat ot m.i,oro4&Te ear17 

•nd.Dg and SOIP&a' l'll4ar will do :amall to lmpron the etteotiTaeaa ot oloae 

aupport: bcmbing.•· 

. a. A4tt to pr &Oba ·Pa.l'bher atuq and 4nelopaltll't ot .... ~ L!aiaoa 

Of't1oer •)'ll'tta Will clo mu.oh 'to 1"8mY8 the poaaibllitiea ot a abort: 'bcmb!Dge 

A better method. of reporting troD.1: line looat101111 ahoulcl be cleTelopecl auab u 

the Br! tlah Pburtoa a111t••• 

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ETOUSA REVIEW OF 

- ARL1r GROUND I-'ORCES, EQUIP11Elr.r RIVIEW BOARD, 

PRBLIMDJARY STUDY -

SEC'lIOH X, SEACOAS'f ARTILLERY EQUIPMl::lft 

.... -

I 

Seotion X 1• oo.npurred in With the following adclitian• and ezoeptian•1 

1. .Add a new par 52&, and renumber 52&, b and o aa 52b, o and d, respeotively1 •a. In. the dewlopment of aeaooaat aritllery materiel, fixed .. 

aeaooaat detenaea ahould be dewloped for atra.tegio pointa, but e:mpha.aia 

ahould be plaoed on 1110bile equipment 111 th a minimum of fixed inatallation•. • 

2. .Add a pa.r 5301 •o. Smaller oaliber automatio antiaircraft •apona, 

to iDolude the 20mm, 40mm, and propoaed 75mm gma, w.Ul be uaed in a dual purpoae role tor detenae against high speed motor torpedo boata and other taat 

aurtaoe oratt.• 

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BrOllBA BBVIEW OJ' 

- ARM!' GROUll> FORCBS, IQUIPMEN'l RBVIEW BOARD, 

PRBLIMDJARY STUM • 

SEC~IOH XI, FREI ROCKETS 

I 

Beot1cm. XI 1• ocm.ourrecl in w1 th the tallowing ad.di ticm.1 

. -- . ' 

Aclcl to par 6lcl1 "Ill'U1111.Dat1cm., noiae--ldng. •windowt, and. lea.tlet di•• 

tributing projeotile• ahould alao be dewlopecl.• 

Aclcl par 6le1 •see reoammendat1911 for rook.et in pal' 210, Seot:l.on. xv.• 

.. 
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REF ID:A65584 .. • • ... & 

GEGRElJ 

B'tOUSA. RBVID OF 

- ARIA!' GROUND FORCES, EQUIPMENT REVIEW BOABD, 

l'.RELIMDIARY STUDY • 

8EC1'IOB XII, GUIIJEI> MISSILES I 

. Seotion XII is oOD.ourred 1n 111 th the followS.ng exoeptions and additions 1 

1. Change par 83b to read,1 "To supplement the Taotioal Air Foroea .1: 

2. Change par 630 to read1 "To supplement the Strategio Air Foroes. • 

3. Add to par 651 8 IlluminatiOD. type miaailes should be developed.• 

4. In lieu of sentenoes two and three ot par 66,6'ubstitute1 "The mis• 

ailes in the first three bands would have their prinoipa.l uae as long-range 

artillery for ground i'oroe operations. The very long range missiles should 

be employed by the artillery in the support of strategio opera.ti0J1a 1 and 

should have the :ma.x1Jmm\ nulge obtainable with a reasonable degree oi' aoouraoy.• 

5. Add to par 691 "Projeotilea designed on the hollow oharge prinoiple 

should be investigated.• 

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REF ID:A65584 

GECRElJ 

ETO'O&\ RBVIml' OF 

- ARm' GROtJND FORCES. EQUIP1.£NT REVIErf BO.ARD. 

P.RBLIMINARY STUDY ._ 

SECTION XIII. BECOILLESS GUNS 

" Section XIII is oonourred in as written. The reooilleaa gm developr.umt program should oorreot the !'motional dii'i'ioulties and limi tationa experienoed with thia wapcm by th.is theater; rei'erenoe" lst Ind. Hq ETO to CG. 

AGF • f'ile AG 472 OpGC. 22 June 1945• to letter liq AGF to CG. ETOUSA• i'ile 

472 (s)(l4 April 1945) GNRQr-11/22276• subJeot1 1'Reooilleas Weapon•"• dated 

14 April 1945. 

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.. . REF ID:A65584 • • • 

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E?OUSA RBV'IElf OF ~ GROUNJ> FORCES, EQUIPMENT REVIEW BOA.RI>. 

PRELikCHA.RY STUDY· 

SECTION XIV• AM?!tNITION 

Section XIV is concurred in with the following additions a 

l. Add to par 72a(lJ 1 "A tiniah to be applied like paint should be dnelopacl I 

- that provides a completely uniform surface." 

2. Add to par '12a(2) 1 "The mininn.ml requirement tor the steel shol!ld at least 

equal the oore in present llV'.AP ammunition.• 

s. Add to par '12aa 

"(5) Further design on the study of At. projectiles should tend toward 

inoreaaing the ratio ot the night ot the burstirlg charge to the wight ot the 

shell proper. 

"(6) Continued research must be conducted to improve lt.llllll.\\l1ition 

packaging. The following points should be stresaeda 

(a) Packages must be portable by one •n (76 lbs or leaa). 

(b) There should be protection from deterioration under all 

climat2c conditions. Powder bags for separate loading &llllUDition should be OClll• 

pletely waterproofed. Increments for mortar ahells should be inolosed in imprOYecl 

containers. 

typea per caliber. 

(c) Paokage must be easily opened. 

(d) Package must withstand rough hand.line; during shipment. 

(e} Package must be eaa1ly and economically ataoke4e 

(f) i'here should be standardi1ation and reduction of different 

(g) Marking tor easy identification in darkness should be 

improved. It is fl..rther reommnended that some simple type of color code be 

adopted so that where unskilled labor is used in handling, the different types 

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aan readily and eaaily be diatinguiahed. 

(h) Model and oode number• should be reduced. 

(7) Uniformity in exteriorl:allistics should be sought among the 

Tarioua types ot projeotilea tired tro- the same 118apon. 

. ' 

(8) There should be additional reaearch in hollow charged projectilea 

tor all oaliber~ from 751111n up. 

4e In lieu of par 72b. substit\ltei "Cartridge Casea. (1) Due to poas1ble 

I llhortage of oopper. research should be conducted to d8T8lop a metal or obher aubatanae1 poaaible plaatio. having the same or better phyaioal charaoteristica than 

braaa tor use in manutaoture ot cartridge cases. 

(2) Reduction in 118ight is an essential consideration. Research 

• 

should inolude the po11ible uae ot a stable. durable explosive case which will 

supplement the charge and be selt destroying. 

(3) A oartridge oase to eliminate ditfioulties of extraction and 

stoppages with particular reterenoe to small arms should be developed." 

5. In lieu ot first sentence par 720(1). subst1tute1 "There is an urge.nt 

and Ullitonn deman.4 for moisture resistant propellants possessing smokeless and 

tlaahlesa charaoteristioa.• 

&. Add. to par '12o(2) 1 "Thia increased Telooity should. not be obtained by a 

c 

dearease in the weight ot the projectile.• 

1 • .Add to par '12o(4)1 "•••••• • b\lt not at the coat or loss of essential 

nlooities. Undue emphasis on reduction ot erosion will result in loss ot nlocity. 

and as a result high Telooity guns may be developed that will not g1Te peak 

pertormanoe on the battlefield." 

a. Add a par 720(9)1 8All roun4a should be manut'ac~ured and issued to 

inolude propellant inoremants up to the maximum. charge." 

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e. Adel to p&I" 72e1 "Ileana ahould also be prO'li.ded tor adjustment ot the 

1enB1tiTit7 ot VT tuzea 10 that •xtmm efteotiTen.e11 oan be obtained againat 

• 

4!1'fe1'8Dt type1 ot targeta. 

I 

I 

. 10. Add to pr 72t1 "'lhe po11ibilit7 ot determining the amount ot propellant 

t~ eaoh pOlld.er lot required. to e1tabliah a atandard. muzzle velocity tor eaoh 

charge for 8T8r)' wapon ahould. be investigated.. Powder incr~manta should be 

aaaembled. to prod.uoe thia standard. Telooit7, thua obviating diaperaion from. one 

paw6er lot to another. All oomponenta ot the complete round 'flt fixed and 1emitized. amun1tion auat be ot the s•e lots to insure identical powder,, shell weight,, 

and. tiniah.. Aoourao7 ia important,, but it ia eaaential that the nece1Bity ot 

I 

aegregating artillery ammunition by lot number at the firing position be eliminated. 

BE and. smoke shells ahould have same ballistic characteristics to allow the uae of 

amolm shell in registration." 

11. Add to pa.r '7251 11.A. packaging for tracers should be developed that is 

light in night. and. provides adequate protection under all clunatio conditions. 

A delay action tracer ia required tor all calibers that will oommence illmnination 

at 300 yard.a. 11 

12. Add to par '72ha "Research should develop an improved method of shell 

filli11g to obviate the tendency ot the WP filler to settle 'oft center' during 

storage, thus causing erratic flight. The toll0W1.ng should be developed1 

(1) Colored. Slllolm for spotting charges for heavy calibers. 

(2) AD improved incendiary tiller for grenades,, rockets. NJd all 

types ot artillery shells. 

(3) A thin case,, base ejection shell for use with incendiaries,, 

flares,, and propaganda leaflets." 

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. . REF ID:A65584 

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13. Add a paf' 72i1 11111\llDinanta. Range am effeoti"t'eaeaa of battlefield. 

illumiD&nta should be inoreaaed. .Soth parachute tlaree a.ml ground burning flare• 

ahould be a"t'ailable for projeotion tram a variet7 of weapons. Balliatioe ot .. 

illuminant ahella ahould be identiaal with thoae of the atand.ard projeotilea. 

'Silent Sentinels' suoh aa ground flares operated 'b7 trip w1ree 1 should be 

• improved." 

14. Add to par 73&1 

11 (1) A. sate, impact type ot offenain hand grenade with azi.Jmm blaet 

efteot should be developed. 

(2) A. combined hand and rifle grenade should be developed with improved projection features that eliminate the neaessity.tbr special oartridgea. 

The poBBibilities of an 'on the apot' OODT'9raion ot the grenade into an improved 

shape charge tor digging ot individual emplacements should be ezploited. 

(3) Special effort should be made to improve hand grenade f"U&ea toa 

(a) 

(b) 

Eliminate noise of ignition ot delay tuzes • 

• Eliminate 11parks during burning ot delay tuze • 

(c) ~liminate amoke prior to detonation. 

(d) Provide better water proofing. 

(4) A. small hoek should be provided on the body ot all grenades i:v. 

order to facilitate convenient attachment on equipment, and thereby make the grenade 

• 

available tor instant uae with oold, gloved, or muddy hand••" 

15. Add to par 'l3c 1 "The posaible use ot standard artillery ammunition 

should be considered tor ground tiring ot AA guns of correspondin& caliber.• 

16. Add to nar 73d1 "The possible use of bacteriological agents as A filler 

should also be investigated. The propellant tor guided missiles should and throughout the flight ot the missile, maintaining or increasing the velocity." 

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17. .Add. to par. 7St1 "Thia dnelopamt ahould inol\ld.e reaearah on radio 

controlled. mime capable of being activated. de-activated,. and detonated 'bJ' remote 

control." 

18. Add to par '1S1 

"h. Line Carryi.1115 Projectile. A projectile ahould be cleYeloped. that 

will oarey a line, a telephorae wire. prima cord. eto •• with or without grappling 

books. 

i. Hi§h Frequency Vibration•• The deatruotive etteot ot high 

trequenoy vibrations abould. be enenaively reaearohed. · ODe diaconry'in thia tiel4 

-.y well rellder our' preaent a.raeu.l ot 119&pona completely obaolete. Further reaearch on weapons and auaunition should take into aooowrt all mnr 'd.iaoOYeriea in. 

the field. of phyaica and ohai.etr;y. a.a well a.a endeavoring to improve our preaent 

line ot weapona.• 

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K'.rVUSA t(6Vll!.,f C•F 

-pD:Y SR:.'UNlJ Fv.i.CiS, E~u J.ff."..:.):'l' F.!!: /J.J:,,'{ ~OAl.W 

l'lU::Lll"D"ARX' STUDY• 

" .-" 

Section XV is oonourred in with the tollowin~ addif.1ons ana exceptionsa 

1. In lieu of last sentence ot par 75a, subst1tute1_ "Caref\..l cbr1siderat1on I 

. should be given to ~n.e determination or t.~e reapcns~b1l1t-J ~or pro~id~ng 

. mappi~ l.llformation. Ad.equate support ahould be ·1ven to ~he responsible ,. 

agency .. • 

2. Add a par 75b(2)(c)I "A plane capable of' perf'orn11ne; ni~ht. p.notc-

,. graphic m1ss1ona.'! ' 

3. Add to par 75b(4)1 "The follow1~ are aeured1 

(a). A li5ht, rapid direct proc•as reproduption machine to replace 

the present slow, bullq, gelatin proceB"S machine, to be used i.n i:.1e reprodu.ot1on of' overl~a. 

' (b). Poaaibilities ol' ratograwre or so'lle continuous I.one met4od 

(or reproduot1on of' photomaps s4ould be mvestigatcld. 

(c). A two color ot!se~ p1ess of' capacity and characte11s~ics 

similar to present debennorfer Lithogra~hic ~ress. 

I I 

(d). A forced dryer for 2'411 x 6011 or larger ne!l;&."Cives f'or installation 1n t.ne reproduction tr~in. 

(e). A safe model heatef requ.1rin~ little maintenance for use 1n 

the raprod~ction train. 

(f). A com.pact, ra,,ia. printer anti. c.evaloper for :reprg~uctic-n or 

• 

trac1nc;s. 

(g). A portable, sturdy ain .• la control rectifying cam.era.. 

- GECRElJ 
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REf. II;)·: A65584 

I GECRE:1 

• 

(~). Redeaipi 11111ltiplex equipment with longer tooal length ao 

"that high altitude photograp]\y DllQ" be secured at larger aoales than are ~ I 

r 

.~... now poBB1ble with 6 inci; cameras. 

(i). A baae film or acetat~ leas subject to changes in size as 

a result of temperature and humldity- variation than the present topo bast., , 

tilm or acetate. 

(j). A simple field prooeas for color separation work. 

( k). A more durable and. waterproof paper. • 

(1). W.minous maps. 

(m). A method ot'portraying relief more easily interpreted by 

the •verage reader. 

(n). A mapping camera and mount that will au.tomati-cally adjust 

itself tor tip and tilt and varying light condition • . (o). A simple and portable field instrument for compilation of 

topographic detail from aerial photographs. 

{p). Simplified methods ot obtaining mass ~roduct'f,on of 9'ect~ 

c;raphs. 

(q). A new slotted templet cutter, adjustable to any scale of 

photograph with ancillary equ1pme~t. 

(r). A machine precision pantograph tor cutting plaster models 

both on a plane swrface and a ~OJ!le surface (earth curvature). 

(s). A special :twdraulic press tor production of paper models 

f~om cement or metal dies. 

(t). A mobile one-frame multiplex unit capable of operat~ng in 

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i ~ (u). Experimentation should be oontinued on multi-oolo~ printing 

I 

'papers to i>\.rmit color reproduotion of limited numb.Prs of colored maps. 

( ,;) . A precise aerial camera with levelling equipment and remqte I I 

I 

oontrol navigation equip11ent ·(such as radar) for mapping photo,grapey. 

(w). Im.proved equipment for the duplication of negatives auto-

... J1la.1..1cally. • 

4. Add to par 761 "?he development of a oo.ntinuous purification process to replace tho present aed1mentation method should be unlertaken. The I 

present p~able equipment should be mounted in a trailer. Equipment ahau.ld 

' ba developed for renderin_ sea water potable. Pesearoh should be conducted 

in decontamination or chemically impure water. The discharge hose in the 

present purification equipment should be Up.proved to increase its 11fe.n 

5. in lieu ot par 77a(l). suostitute1 "Experimentation should be con• » 

' tinuecl Ytl th "bhe present 50 and 80-ton bridges and t.ne proJected 125-ton bridge 

to seo~re a capacity of 200-tons with ~he same equipment. The use of eellular type float.ccnstrucbion to provide flexibility 1n oonstructin~ brid,as 

and fixed piers or different capacities sho~ld be investigated. Tread~ay 

bridses should be provide with solid decks instead of treadways." 

6. .Ln lieu of par 77a(2) • ~ubstJ.tute1 "The present footbr1u.e;e is 

unsQt~sta~tory in ~nat it l~cks stren~th at Lhe Joints. A new bridg• 

s11oule1. ~e .~esignoa vrhic..11 is sinplo, readily portable. easily assembled by 

the usin~ ~roops, anc capable or slvportins men v~th full field equipment at 

2-~ace 1n~ervals and in eurren~s u, to 10 feet a second. ~onsideraLJ.on should 

" 

also be ~iven to Lhe develoL'IJ"lent of an arri.ored trans~o1ter, Lo be self-launching~ 

7. ::- eferenoe 1 ~7b( l)s 11:-tecopinend variaule length transoms so that 

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:oadwa.y Vlidth 11Ul;'r be var .Led. 11 

8. Au.ci a 1a~...!!E_!_ "I. isce,;L~~D!!.!,• 

( 1) 1.\ scissors t:'"Jpe urid..:;e shoulc.. be o.evelo11ec.1 ca,•tiul•J of c&.rryin(( 

a medium tank over a span oi' 80" feet. he traus,orter should ~e ~r"'l'orcd. I 

... (2) ~ortabla equipment should be developed for re.LnforL1n~ existing bridges of all types.n 

9. ln lieu of' •1ar 78a, _substitute• ni,he engineers are at !:'rt.sent 

witbout an anuorad reconnaissance vehicle. A vehicle should be providoG 

which is tha latest type standard armored reconna11ssance Lar. 11 

I 

10. .Acld i;Q par 78ba 11The motor and chassis of' ~u veiucle shou'.U b., 

oi' a. standard Ordnance .. ype. 11 

11. Add to 2nd sentence, par 19b1 "- under all conditions or water, 

mu.d, ice and/or anow and will not require highly skilled operators or be so 

slow 1n operation as to be impracticable." 

12. Add a uar 7901 '"tliscella.neous1 

(1) An ef'f'eotive method of' 1&¥ing and neutralising mines from the 

air should oe investigated. 

(2) ~ine f'uaes should oe developed that are detona~&d by 1pcuction I • 

:f'rmn mine detectors, together with naans f'or defeating similar type :f"u.aes 

deyeloped by 'he en.ell\!'• 

(3) 1Tarnsand1 or a substitute should be provided tor ~•• in 

I 

1'aaili~at1n~ removal of friendly non-metallic mines. 

(•) Protection should be developed tor use or personll.el engaged 

in clearing mines and a~t-cking fixed tortif'icat1on1. 

(5) ~ine detonator equipment should ~e developed w~ich produces 

a strong field ot radio energJ an~ thus would set off radio activa~;d mines 

at a safe distance. 

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(6) A mine 11h1ch becomes inoperative and safe to handle aftm- .. 

- a &1x-month or other period Of time ahoald be developed.. 11 

I ' 

~, 1 

13. Add a par 79.la nfha following are additional equiimient requirementa1 

a.. A. m:U1tart angle dozer with integral front armor tor both . operator and engine, with a front mounted cab. PreaeDt amor on bulldozers 

-is inadequate. 

• b. .l quick-start1ng, silent, dependable portable motor tor propulsion of assault and storm boats. ihe electric motor baa possibilities 

in this field. The present outboard motor is unsatiatact017 in that it is 

exceedingq dit.ticult to start, undependable in operation, requires excessive maintenance and a hig~ trained operator. 

c. A lighter night assault boat that is aeaworth in aw1ft waters 

am w1 th a m1 ntmnm capacit7 of l3 men. 

d. A light., stable recmmaiasance boat of 6-man capacity, ea~ ... • 

mamuverable in currents up to ll feet per second and 1li th a noiseless -pro- • , 

pul.aion unit. 

e. A self-propelled craft having ahallow draft, low silhouette, 

loading and unloading ramps, capable of transporting 50-ton loads auch as I 

tanks or heaq artillery, and with such overall dimensions and night as to 

permit eaBJ' cross country transport and eaq launching. This craft ahoulcl 

be maneuverable in 11 feet per second currents. 

f. Self ... propelled rafts capable of operating in currents of ll 

feet per second arJ4 with capacities trcn 8o to lSO tons are required in 

order to provide earq armored support in river crossing operations. 

g. Standard protecti, booms tor bridges. These boams should be 

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portable, eas11f erected, and effective against noating mines, Ullderntar 

swimmars, midget submarines, barges, and explosive loaded speed boats. 

- h. Tbe developae:nt ot 1ASDIC 1 tor 1'• in streams should be con-

' tinued. 

i. .A. shaped charge powerful enough to penetrate 15 feet of reintorced concrete.• 

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BECRElJ 

ETOUSA 1~IE'1l OF 

- ARP!X' GROUND FORCES. EQUIPJ~iENT RA"VIEU BOARD. 

PRELU1INARY STUDY -

SECTION XVI• CID::JdICAL EQUIPMENT 

Section XVI is oonourred in with the tollovling exception and addi tiona 1 

1. Add par Blo 1 11A aampline; k1 t should be developed which will provide 

a suitable means of oolleot1ng samples of agents in the field from contaminated 

- sromd or wgeta.ticm and from pa aloud.a or an-osols." 

2. Delete par 82b1 Reasons It 1a beliewd that the logistics and 

danser to friendly perscmnel would make this 118apan msatisfaotory and that a 

rocket or Jet propelled 'W8apon would be more teaai ble. 

3. Add a par 82ea "Reaearoh should be ocmtinued to 1.mprow the :mechanical 

smoke generator••" 

4. Add a par 821'1 "Research should be continued on t11118 1 delay and VT 

fuzea tor 4.2" mortar." 

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REF ID:A65584 

DE:CRElJ 

ETOtJSA REVIEW OF 

- ARMY GROUND FORCES, EQUIPta:NT BEVIEtl BOARD, 

PRELIMINARY STUDY 

UCTION XVII, TRANSPORTATION 

Seoticm. XVII is concurred in with the following exceptions and additions1 

1. Add a par 85g. "~isoellaneouas 

&: --

( l) All motor whiclea should be desir;ned with a view to eliminating as many special maintenance tools as possible, particularly in the lov18r 

echelon.a or maintenance. 

(2) As a matter ot principle, reliance on conunercial vehicles should 

be abandoned, and mili ta.ry types developed w1 th emphasis on sta.ndarcU.zation 

ot oomponent parts and assemblies. 

(3) Close coordination muat be maintained with oommunioation development agenoies in order that V8hiole eleotrioal systems Will be readily 

adaptable tor radio and radar. 

(4) A shelter or superstructure to fit on the 2!c:-ton truok and/or 

a aui table trailer to convert them into a CP vehicle tor commanders, a shop 

truck. or supply truck is required. 

(5) Provision should be ma.de tor self-sealing fuel tanks in airborne vehicles • 11 

2. Add to par 86a: 

"(5) Improved tread design tor wat and dry traction. 

( 6) Development or an airtir)'lt pneumatic casint; on a safety rim to 

eliminate inner tubes." 

3. In lieu or par 86b( 7), subati tute 1 

"The development or an improved genera 1 purpose traok w1 th a tta.ohmen ta 

tor snow, ioe, sand, etc." 

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4. Add a par 860( 6) 1 

"The development of a aeries of standard engines having four. six. 

eight. ond twelve oylindera. all engines having interchangeable parts. auoh 

as pistons. connectins rods. bearings. valves. eleotrioal acoeasories. oil 

filters. and instruments." 

5. Add a par 86f 1 

11!!1.scellaneous. Automotive research should also include 1 

(1) The development of clutches and brakes to last the normal life 

ot 1.he -vehicle. 

(2) Improved sealing of assemblies a~ainst v1ater and dirt. 

(3) The development of waterproofing methods and materials which 

uill eliminate necessity for immediate de-•terproofing after wading or 

avd.mming of' vehicles. 

(4) The development o.f' better safety features, and elimination 

ot vehicular blind spots, such as cab posts and body projeoticm.s • 

• 

(5) The development and provision for all vehicles of an explosive 

oharGe• and place tor same. for their emergency destruction." 

6. Reference par B7b( l) and ( 2) 1 Recommnd substitution of' 3/4-ton 

truck f'or l!-ton truck. 

. 7. In lieu or par 87d• substitutes "Thia group should be eliminated when 

develo~.nents in f'ull track or 'Wheeled vehicles provide superior m:i.11 tary 

c.. ~~r 871: "':he development of' a lil9itweisht motorcycle not to 

excoed 250 lbs and capable of sus~ined operation under 30 miles per hour is 

necessa.ry tor traffic control md "l&ssene;er service. Suoh a vehicle should 

be udo.pto.ble to po.ra.chute droppin~ and should replace the present airbome 

notor :;coater. l.i..;h spoed is not a. prime requuite in military motorcycles." 

9. Ue.f'cronce 1JJ.r 87k( 2) 1 i.teconunend. th.at wu~on type trailers be eliminated. - 2 -
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ETOUSA REVIEl.I OF 

-Am.iY GROUND FORCES,, l\~UIP. 'EJ1T HEVIJW BOARD, 

1'aELii :nwlY STUDYSPX:TICN XVIII, COI.WNICATIO• EQUlft.ENT 

Section XVIII is concurred in with t.he following exceptions and additions: 

l. Reference par 88a 1 Concur in this as a guide for future development 

of equipment. _ 

- 2. Reference par 88c: Concur in t.his as a guide for future development 

of equipment. The max1mum integration of the conmmnication system is a worth,v I a 

objective upon which to base future development or signal equipment. However, 

it is not believed practicable to effect complete integration under the responsibility of a single agency and maintain the high:cy' desired,, present basic 

principle of command responsibility tor signal conmunications. Tact.ical develop-

•nt and training of personnel should be the responsibility of the Signal Corps. 

All commum.cation personnel must also have tra:unng in the branch or arm to 

which assigned by that arm or branch. 

,3. In Lieu of second sentence of par 89b, substitute: 11However, no 

• 

differentiation between speech security equipment tor use on radio or wire 

circuits should be contemplated. 11 

4. Add to par 89c: 11That cODD11Unication radio equipment designed tor 

use by troops in forward areas, should be provided wit.h appropriate remote 

control systems to decrease the casualties in both men and materiel., caused 

by elleJQ' fl.re beinc; directed on the antenna of the radio equipment. 11 

S. Add a par 89e(.5);,. 11Increase the possibility of interchangee.bill.ty 

ot basic components such as oscillators, power supply, rectifiers, etc., by 

standardization of components and unit assemblies. 11 

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e. .A44 a par 8lf(6)1 •nnelol,lllUtllt of 111.m hall4 wire 1a,S.ng equlpaat; .. to'r uee 5.D to:rRl"4 area• 1• al.lo uoe11a17~• 

7 • Aclcl a pal" 89f(&)a •A naggecl 'ftD.._,matecl, maltiple nltobboud arND.pcl tor three llmadrecl loaal tl'mlk olrou!.t1 011. a foul" paml maltlple 'b&eS.1, 

• 

oapa'ble of ezpaulo11. to au, eight 01" tea po11t1o:u, •llould. be clnelopecl tor 

•• 111. um, ooaamd.oat1o:u.• 

a. ltefermoe pr 8911 »eaomnm4 •••1pmmt; ot a bigla prlorS:tly to tlda 

aotlTltJ'• 

'• A4cl to pr 8911.1 •:ta acldltion to greater emit1T1"71 ~ clne1opm 

e4 clireat1011. ftnding eq111paat a'houla haTe aatema pat-term gi'dllg gnat17 

illproTecl azs..rth aoaar&GJ"• laeea:roh ahoul.4 be oo:atimle4 to pl"OTltle •am 'to 

oomrteaot the aziJlaltb errora oau1e4 ~ euproUJlding objeote auob aa tnea 

and. ovel"head U.ma. Thia equlpmll't ahoul.4 not be turbher OOJll»l!aatet 'bJ' 

elaborate appa~ fop cletendJd.zag aeme.• 

10. A4c1 to Pal" 8901 •atadal"cl1aatioa of theie ba1i1ier1e• ahDul.4 be 

atnaaec1.• 

11. ID lle11 of ;par 89p, aubatitvbe1 "Pcnntl" md.ta. A :tlmdllmmltal naearah project ahoulcl be eatabliahecl 1D onlel" to nolve a eerie• of tlepm:ul- , . 

able pcnrel" um:ba haring the following aharaoteri.etiaa 1 

a. Be lightwiglrt; and aapable of operating tol" mdieuive perlocle 

ot ti• without nplaoment, ancl require abaolute wfn1nm UDUDt ot •inbe Be aapable of generating light ?oaa. equallJ' ett1aieD:tol7 at 

full loacl Nquinmate with Terf goocl •lta.ge ngulatlon throughout the ftllP• 

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REF ID:A65584 

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a. Be aapa'ble ot operating etftaieut;q 011. the tJpe ot fUel mat 

rea.4117 aTa!la'ble to tl'OOp• 111. the t1e14. 

cl. Pezmt refUeling and. iz:ul1oate oil lnel while operating. 

12. W a par 89r1 •aotor;pPhlo 19.uipei:e ftlere :la a reqdremnt tor 

a •lagle atlll aamera ahodJ!ll.g the Leioa or Contaz 1~le ot 'bod.J' ueing a 

1tanclard (US) 80mlll roll t1lm, having a built-in tluh equipment and auppliecl 

with a 'baeio eet ot three leue1 (wide angle, regular 8114 telephoto).• 

lie W a pr 8981 •cmtogpPh:lO !quipea!;e (1) !he SIGA.ll should 

1 'be re4ea1gnecl to pel'llit the mttt.11.g ot tape a:lmltalleou1l7 with 'bile pnmillg 

operation. 

(2) A oa.mpaot.. 1illple an.cl aeaure cleriae tor uae 'tiJ tro:at: llm um ti, 

to repl.aoe the K-209, 11 required., 

(a) There la a 11.eed tor a high grade clnioe, 1ill:llar 'ill J»l'ilLOlple 

to SIGGUM tor use 'b7 headquarten d.owll. to ancl 111.olucl::lng cU:ri.aion.• 

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REF ID·:A65584 

BECRElJ 

Ji:~\. 'USJL -~VIE'11 t F 

•A.-t I G!~l.A1:t.U ,.i'C :u.r::;~, :l!.~ .:.P Jl~l' .L:.VLl I .i.OAW 

i ~Llii. J.l,As.1Y b't'U.DIs.a:c·• IOl XIX, SLRV.a .&QU I.H ~.·.r 

• ., I 

• 

Section XIX ts conc~rred in W"th the follO"~ing exceptions and aduitiona1 

l. Add to par 'iOc: •rne establishment of pro~ecta f'or a maans of detecting 

mortar locat~ons and Qetermininc relQt~ve locations of units are of :b:lr!.cdiate 

importance.• 

2. .Ac&d.__!:o par 92a1 "Flash rangine; equipment si1ou.ld be c,esi,:ned to effect 

a •1ore compact and saf'er instrllDISnt for c0111bat use." 

s. Acid to pa:r 92d1_ "Imm.ed1ate need exists for li1-;hter, aoundplotting 

equipment :m.d li~tar, more compact sannd tanzing microphones." 

4. "Ld;,d a par 9211 11:tacom::mnd '!;he followinr, p1 iority1 

(1) For lllll'lGdiate development and procurement1 

(a) Control or 11aaps and map sub at1 tu tea. 

(b) Detection of 1aorta.r locQtion. 

(c) A means of ~etern:.inin~ relative locations of units and 

1n'11viduala. 

(2) Lon.~ ran~e pla.nninb• , 

(a) Survey equipment. 

(b) Sound r&.nL1'11:.. equipment • 

• 

(c) 01.1o:sraph. 

(d) !aatoorolo~iaal oquipme11t. 

(e) Field Artillery counter battery radar. 

(t) 1":rou11c. control of liaison !'la.nea. 

(~) Cau11ter 1110aa..i.re to rada.r :u'1d111i miaailea. . 

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r. Add .. o par 93aa 11.-teco':llRE)nd '1111Lt u. lir :iter u.r.a. 11'.ore conpac""' 

data deep in en8J"i" lines tor very lon: rAnt~ artillery-• 

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t?§GP§IJ 

ETOUSA REVIEW OF 

• AlU\Y' GROUND FORCES, EQUIPJDT REVIErY BOARD, 

PRELUIINARY STUDY • 

SECTION XX, RADAR EQUIPIIEN? 

Seot1on XX is conourred in W1 th the following add1 tions and exoeptions1 

1. Add to par 951 

11c. A lightwaight long-range radar to provide early warning for 

antiaircraft. Such a set should have a range of at least 120 miles and 

should be capable of detecting low-flying aircraft at a m.uoh greater ranee 

than the present equipment. 

11d. A more positive means of ide~tU"ying friendly aircraft than 

present I1''F (identifioation of friend or foe) equipment should be developed 

as an integral part of all antiaircraft radar sets. 

ne. The development of jet and rooket-propelled aircraft has 

reached the point where an entirely new system of antiairoraft neaaurea ia 

needed. It is believed that the guided miBBiles program should p:rovide the 

basis for this new system. A long range researoh and development program 

should evolve a radar fire oontrol system which will contain radar, oomputer 

and control equipment for the Guided ndsailes as one piece of equipment." 

2. Add to par 98a1 "Consideration should be given to the detection 

~ 

by means other than radar if research and development indicate other systems 

are more desirable." 

3. ~ po.r 9801 11.An IFF device capable of being triggered by friendly radar, including ~round o.nd airborne sets, should be provided the individual soldier w1 th. the view to positive location of forward elements." 

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4. Add to par 10la1 "The necessary seourity devices aho~ld be incorporated in the deugn o!' this aet. 11 

5. Add a par 1031 "In order to take full advantage of technolocioal 

proe;resa. future dewlopment of .uli ta.11• rado.r equipment should po.ro.llel 

closely the developments of co1111DSroio.l equipn.ent." 

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