David and Goliath

This study examines the viability of the 82d Airborne Division's Antiarmor Defense Concept in the Central European environment. An overview of the Airborne Antiarmor Defense (AAD) is provided for those who are not familiar with the concept. This monograph compares the AAD with concepts for infantry defense against armor espoused by B.H. Liddell Hart such as the dynamic and archipelago defenses. This monograph examines the historical perspective of five select battles where a predominantly infantry force was successful in defending against armor and then seeks to determine those factors that resulted in victory. The battles examined are Medenine, El Alamein, Targul Frumos, Kursk, and Sicily. Throughout the historical review there are analyses of the relationships between the AAU and Liddell Hart's indirect approach. This monograph concludes with doctrinal, training, and materiel implications pertaining to infantry defense (using the AAD) against armor. The conclusion is that the 82d Airborne Division Antiarmor Defense Concept will work in Central Europe, however, there are some doctrinal and training deficiencies which need to be noted.