The Petsamo-Kirkenes Operation: Soviet Breakthrough and Pursuit in the Arctic, October 1944

This Leavenworth Paper emphasizes another maxim of arctic operations:
the necessity for effective joint operations and proper synchronization of
the various battlefield operating systems. Soviet use of artillery was hindered
in its range by limited ground mobility. While our light artillery today is
less road bound, it still may find itself unable to support maneuver forces
effectively because of terrain obstacles or the unavailability of helicopter
lifts during adverse weather. Since heavy artillery will probably continue
to be road bound, close air support and joint air attack team operations
are increasingly significant as distances are extended. Air defense artillery
systems may be the only protection against hostile air if local weather
conditions close friendly airfields.
The combat engineer, always a vital player on the modern battlefield,
is a central figure in the Arctic. Combat engineers establish and maintain
the roads and airfields that are essential for effective lines of communication
to prosecute a campaign. Without a herculean engineering effort, the logistician
cannot support any operational plan—no matter how simple its
concept. With effective engineering support, the logistician can cope with
the substantial demands of the combat arms, albeit with great frustration
and difficulty.
This Leavenworth Paper illustrates the demanding requirements imposed
by arctic operations and also demonstrates that insightful commanders can
achieve significant results in decentralized operations when they allow their
subordinates sufficient flexibility to seize the initiative.