Michael W. Cannon

Battlefield Nuclear Weapons and Tactical Gridlock in Europe. Michael W. Cannon

This paper addresses the issue of whether the use of tactical nuclear weapons in a war in Europe will bring about a tactical stalemate or "gridlock." The TRADOC Common Teaching Scenario is used for a guide as to the area, forces employed, general situation, and nuclear weapons available to commanders on both sides. With these considerations, two iterations of a wargame were run and the areas contaminated and rough levels of casualties calculated. An analysis of how this may affect battlefield maneuver is made and other issues which may affect the use of battlefield nuclear weapons are presented. The paper concludes with a discussion of areas that require additional research to further develop the answer to the research question.