Reconstitution: Leadership Methods and Considerations

This monograph discusses the importance of understanding methods and considerations in planning reconstitution operations at the tactical level. It proposes that reconstitution operations are based on planning and the availability of manpower. It also postulates that, at the division level, reconstitution is a leadership not a logistic decision. This monograph examines the methods of reconstituting and shows the importance of advance planning for reconstitution operations. The monograph first examines historical examples of tactical reconstitution, beginning with the 28th Infantry Division at Schmidt, Germany. Other historical examples include the British forces in North Africa, the German SSTK Totenkopdivision on the Eastern Front, the Korean and Vietnamese experiences and the Israeli experience. For each case a review is made of the decision to reconstitute using the method of reconstituting combat power and possible considerations in the unit. The author proposes that tactical units, division level and below, can only conduct reorganization options, as well as rotation of units to maintain an optimal level of combat effectiveness.