James A. Cope

Medium Anti-tank Defense: the Case for the Return of the Tank Destroyer James A. Cope

This monograph discusses the nature of the medium range anti-tank battle and the inappropriateness of the Dragon missile for that battle. An examination of the Bradley Infantry Battalion concludes that the Echo company is unnecessary. The Light Infantry Division requirement for an anti-tank gun system is also considered. The need for a cannon for medium range anti-tank defense is explored. Medium range anti-tank defense is the anti-tank battle fought from 2,000 meters to close range. The nature of the Soviet tank threat and the speed of Soviet attacks are studied for their impact on missile-only defense. The historical use of the tank destroyer as a tank killer on the Eastern Front and the American misuse of the tank destroyer in the West are reviewed. Potential benefits from reintroducing tank destroyers are considered by examining the German experience in World War II. The substitution of the tank destroyer for the M-1 tank in an anti-tank role is a suggested cost effective change. The tank destroyer is proposed as a potential launch medium for the hypervelocity missile. Additionally, adoption of the technology of large caliber, high velocity cannons mounted on armored cars is proposed as the option which could provide the Light Infantry Division with a better medium range anti-tank defense. This monograph concludes that the tank destroyer in both its wheeled and tracked versions is a feasible medium range anti-tank weapon. Financially and tactically the tank destroyer is currently the best available medium range anti-tank alternative to the M-1 tank.