A Dying Breed: Why U.S. Army Paratroopers are Being Phased Out of Modern Warfare
Abstract:
The creation of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions was arguably one of the most revolutionary actions in the history of warfare. The U.S. and various other armies now had the ability to drop infantry behind enemy lines for a variety of purposes such as interdicting supply lines and destroying fixed enemy batteries. As a result of their flexibility in mission and capabilities, the airborne divisions became among the most decorated units in the U.S. military. Yet, after World War II, the demand for such a unit begins to decline beginning in the Korean War and continuously declines throughout even today’s wars and conflicts. The blame for this lies in the advancements of military technology, tactics, and logistics. Unless the airborne divisions adapt accordingly, they very well could fade away into history.