§ Mrs. Clwydasked the Secretary of State for Defence in what way the United States airland battle doctrine is incompatible with NATO doctrine.
§ Mr. Stanley[pursuant to his reply, 12 November 1984, c. 155]: Airland battle, which is spelt out in United States field manual 100–5, is the US army's tactical doctrine for dealing with the contingencies it might face around the world, not just in Europe. There are, therefore, aspects, such as jungle warfare, which do not apply to NATO. Airland battle is not agreed NATO doctrine and the manual makes clear that US army forces will operate in Europe under NATO procedures and principles. The question of incompatibility within NATO does not, therefore, arise.
§ Mrs. Clwydasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether the airland battle doctrine has been discussed by NATO ambassadors in the defence planning committee.
§ Mr. Stanley[pursuant to his reply, 12 November 1984, c. 155]: Airland battle, as the doctrine set out in the US army's field manual 100–5 is known, is official US army, and not NATO, doctrine. It has not been introduced for formal consideration by NATO authorities, though the allies have naturally been made aware of it.