Thailand Scenario Force Capabilities Vignettes Package 2008 and Applying Theories of Operational Art Essay

Thailand Scenario Force Capabilities Vignettes Package 2008

Probably the best example of recent Thai and U.S. Force vignettes is illustrated in the 30 th annual Cobra Gold war games in early 2011. Specifically, based upon these historical experiences, this author suggests that the United States support the Thais by means of capability deployments to include communications, intelligence and language support. Also, material support such as ground force fires and reinforcements will also be required. Based upon past experiences, the capabilities are primarily sea as well as air mobile and airborne forces. Certainly, it is the best rational example of what a force multi-mission capable force projection from CONUS will likely look like, whether it is deployed to protect against Khmer, Tatmadaw, or Burmese insurgents operating across the Thai borders.

The U.S. Forces would be limited by their thin deployment due to the War on Terror.The deployment will be handled in friendly territory, but will be heavily dependent upon host nation support in the interior. Strategic deployment considerations include taking into consideration tensions in the rebel south and historical tensions along the Cambodian border. In any event, as in any expeditionary operation, mobility is a key factor in strategic deployment as well as in sustainment considerations.

A good example of force size and deployment is illustrated in the 2010 Cobra Gold Exercise. A total of 14,000 soldiers from six countries, including Thailand, the United States, Singapore, Indonesia, Japan and the ROK joined in the exercise. There were four main warships in the exercise, to include a helicopter assault ship, as well as a destroyer. Aircraft included F/A-18 Super Hornets, CH-47 Chinook helicopters and Black Hawk helicopters ("China Daily.com").

This author speculates from past experience that it could include C-5, C-141….....