Challenges of equipping with 155 mm self-propelled howitzer systems from a DOTMLPF-I perspective

Authors

  • Adrian MIREA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53477/2284-9378-25-08

Keywords:

equipping, fire support, self-propelled howitzer, NATO model, DOTMLPF-I.

Abstract

Fire support systems represent a combat power multiplier for force structures, making a significant contribution in all types of operations, as they directly facilitate the force’s ability to accomplish its mission. Considering national programs for equipping with modern military systems, this article has addressed the potential challenges of transitioning land force structures from being equipped with 152 mm towed artillery systems to NATO standard 155 mm self-propelled artillery systems. The challenges have been considered through the lens of the NATO capability foundation model, described by the acronym DOTMLPF-I (Doctrine, Organization, Training, Materiel, Leadership, Personnel, Facilities and Interoperability). This paper aims to underline some aspects that may influence the integration and exploitation of fire support capabilities, provided by equipping national land forces structures with this type of 155 mm self-propelled howitzer system. I have structured the article into two sections, aiming in the first part to briefly present the relevant basic ideas of the NATO capability foundation model, and in the second part to argue the challenges of equipping with 155 mm self-propelled howitzer systems and to include some actions, which I consider necessary, on the eight directions described by the acronym DOTMLPF-I. The perspective presented aims to highlight useful ways to enhance the national-level fire support capability provided by the new NATO-standard 155 mm self-propelled howitzer systems.

Author Biography

Adrian MIREA

 

LTC Adrian Mirea joined the Command and Staff Faculty of the “Carol I” National Defence University, Bucharest in 2019, where he teaches various courses in Master and Bachelor programs. He is from Bucharest and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in Field Artillery in 2004 from “Nicolae Bălcescu” Land Forces Military Academy. His previous assignments include artillery platoon and battery commander, staff officer in Battalion S4 and staff officer in Regiment S3.

Operational deployments of LTC Adrian Mirea include International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) 2011 and Resolute Support Mission (RSM) 2016 in Afghanistan, where he served as a logistics staff officer.

LTC Adrian Mirea is a graduate of the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course, Field Artillery Advanced Course and Field Artillery Captains Career Course. He holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) from the “Nicolae Bălcescu” Land Forces Military Academy (2004), and a Master’s degree from “Carol I” National Defence University (2019). Here he got his PhD in Military Science in 2025 and also activates as an Advanced Instructor in the same institution.

 His awards and decorations include the General Staff Emblem of Honor, Land Forces Emblem of Honor, In Service of Peace Merit Emblem and the NATO Non-Article V Medal.

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Published

2025-04-03

How to Cite

MIREA , A. . (2025). Challenges of equipping with 155 mm self-propelled howitzer systems from a DOTMLPF-I perspective. BULLETIN OF "CAROL I" NATIONAL DEFENCE UNIVERSITY, 14(1), 122–135. https://doi.org/10.53477/2284-9378-25-08

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Articles