Joint Doctrine for Amphibious Operations - Historic Naval Ships ...

Ship-to-Shore Movement PlanningOVER THE HORIZON OPERATIONSPROSCONSReduced risk toamphibious taskforce shipsSimplified air defenseReduced mine threatto amphibious taskforce shipsEnhanced operationalor tactical surpriseIncreased flexibilityExtendedvulnerability oflanding craftExpanded battlespacerequiring more selfdefenseassetsIncreased cycle timefor landing craft andaircraftLost or reducedavailability of navalsurface fire supportFigure XIV-3. Over-the-Horizon Operationstimely intelligence data is increased forOTH operations because the number ofpossible landing sites is increased. Theseaward tactical picture, as it pertains tothe presence or absence of enemy navalforces between the ATF and shore, playsa significant role in the selection ofpossible landing sites and thereforeaffects the scheme of maneuver. UsingOTH tactics requires consolidation of thetactical picture of land and water toprovide the CATF and CLF with aconsolidated base from which to plan andmake tactical decisions. Interoperable C2systems for maintaining situationalawareness and a common tactical picturefor the CATF and CLF are absolutelyessential in OTH operations.• Surveillance and reconnaissance of theoperational area with emphasis onpossible landing sites. Positioning theamphibious force OTH allows thelanding site location to remain flexible.Landing sites may be chosen just beforelaunching the first wave, which requirestimely surveillance and hydrographicreconnaissance and accurate intelligenceof landing sites.• Real-time intelligence, reliablecommunications, and accuratenavigation. OTH operations planningis more complex than traditionalamphibious planning because of theincreased distances between launchplatforms, landing beaches, supportingfires, and control platforms. This in turnrequires greater coordination andcommunications capability. Flexibilitymust be maintained throughout theoperation since VLZs and CLZs may bewidely separated. The vertical assaultmay land forces inland where they willbe able to threaten key enemy positions,facilities, and LOCs. The surface assaultpoints of entry are sites along thecoastline where the hydrography, terrain,XIV-7