Heavy Antitank Company

This thesis assesses the effectiveness of the current and alternative organizational structures for the employment of the TOW ATGM. Four alternatives are considered in comparison to the current organizations which was assessed as a base case. The alternatives are divisional TOW Battalions, mechanized battalion TOW companies, TOW companies in both the mechanized and tank battalions. Analysis drew on historical data and the results of related work in a subjective assessment of the alternatives based on concentration, command and control, balance, supportability, training, and cost. The scope of the thesis was limited to consider the time from the present until the mid-1980s, and an assumption constrained the alternatives to adhere approximately to the current divisional end strength in equipment and people. Overall, virtually all of the alternatives except the TOW company in the mechanized battalion only were found to be better than the current organization. Optimum TOW potential, however, is achieved when TOWs are organized into companies organic to both the mechanized and tank battalions.