Post Description

In 1988 the Northern Army Group Commander identified the possibility of using airmobile forces as an operational reserve for the NORTHern Army Group (NORTHAG), and tied in well with a concurrent study by Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), the Multi-National Airmobile Division (MNAD) was formed and fielded for the first time during 1991 REFORGER exercises "Certain Shield". In NATO's future structure. Multinational forces will demonstrate the Alliance's cohesion and risk sharing to other nations. The MNAD therefore represents the first step in the development of these forces. Requirements for the Multi-National Airmobile Division call for capability of rapid reaction, to deploy over distances of up to 120km regardless of any ground obstacle or ground damage. Furthermore it is to be able to sustain itself in battle for 48 hours, and once extracted from a battle, it is to be capable to go back into battle after a further 48 hours. Task for the MNAD is a) to block, contain or delay an enemy penetration, b) secure a line of departure for friendly formations and c) provide flank protection. As a result of improvements in surveillance equipments, it has been found that reserve forces are identified and engaged by enemy before brought to battle. There is therefore a requirement to keep reserves much further back to help evade detection and increase their protection. The only possible solution are airmobile reserves, flown in by helicopters from a position well behind the front line, to the point where they hold the enemy.