Quote Originally Posted by Ken White View Post
The current Bde/BCT is too small to rate a BG. Now, if they get a third maneuver Bn/Sqn, plus an Arty or 'Fires' Bn for MCO, they'll probably get BGs. Until then -- and until the support and sustainment problems that mean Divs are handy and the Hq in being that is a Div which can serve as an intermediate Hq for theaters ala Afghanistan and Iraq. All in good time, I expect...
Ken, just one minor quibble: all three BCT types (Heavy, Infantry, Stryker) have Artillery Battalions: IBCT = 105s; SBCT = M777 155s; HBCT = Paladin.

The need for a third maneuver battalion has always been a glaring weakness. In the current fight the BCT's CAV Squadron usually fills in as an ad hoc third maneuver unit. No doubt this wouldn't be wise in a MCO since you would actually need to use the CAV Squadron for its intended purpose.

It should be noted that the Stryker BCTs have always had three maneuver battalions. Only the IBCT and HBCT are limited to two.