This paper examines the concept of interior lines of operations at the operational level of war. Initially, the theoretical concepts are examined from the works of Baron von Jomini, Carl von Clausewitz and Mao Tsetung. From these theorists the...
The 1986 edition of Field Manual (FM) 100-5, Operations, introduced a theoretical basis to AirLand Battle, the U.S. Army's basic fighting doctrine. One of the new concepts introduced into the doctrine was 'center of gravity.' The manual indicated...
This study is an analysis of how best to employ operational reserves to counter an enemy operational offensive and developing penetration. The study addresses the question of whether reserves should be employed as they become available to limit and...
Senri nyumon (An Introduction to the Principles of War) is required reading for all Japan Ground Self-Defense Force officers. The book is one of the basic texts studied by Japanese officers in preparation for the highly competitive entrance exam to...
This monograph answers the question “What must an encircled unit be provided and do in order to successfully hold?” Following the end of the Cold War and the subsequent drawdown, the United States adopted a military strategy of force...
This monograph proposes a conceptual approach to operational synchronization intended to address the post Cold War planning environment. Synchronization has a dual nature as both a process and an outcome, and joint doctrine calls it the...
The tension between the operational functions, maneuver and sustainment, produces an interesting dynamic. As much as some may insist, maneuver at the operational level of war cannot be completely addressed without a thorough discussion of...
The essence of Soviet maneuver theory rests on two tenets: rapid tempo and concentrated firepower. A dynamic relationship exists between these two conditions. For the Soviets to succeed in the attack they must organize their forces so that they can...
This monograph investigates that portion of operational art known as "sequencing operations". The purpose of sequencing operations is to determine when, where, how, and for what purpose the available military means will be employed within a theater...
This monograph is an examination of the transition of the Iraqi Saddam Fedayeen militia into a guerilla organization in an attempt to draw out methods that might be used against the Niruyeh Moghavemat Basij (Mobilisation Resistance Force) militia...
Army Extension Course special text no. 273 prepared under the direction of the commandant of the Command and General Staff School at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
This monograph offers a new perspective on an old subject. That is why did Napoleon's marshals, so successful in corps command, fail when given an independent army command? It examines in detail the defeats of Marshal Nicolas-Charles Oudinot at...
+This monograph examines the development of air combat employment concepts during World War I. From austere beginnings, air power developed rapidly through the four years of war, evolving from a support service for tactical ground units to a...
The purpose of this monograph is to determine the conditions necessary for a successful counteroffensive. The study seeks to identify these conditions through historical analyses of four of the greatest counteroffensives of modern military history:...
The 1982 publication of FM 100-5, Operations, established AirLand Battle as the operational and tactical doctrine of the U.S. Army. This doctrine, reaffirmed in the 1986 publication of the manual, is based on the principles of war, and uses tenets...
This monograph discusses the theoretical principles of concentration of force of Carl Von Clausewitz, Baron De Jomini and Sun Tzu and their application to concentration in joint operations. The writings of these theorists are concerned with land...
This monograph discusses the concept of operational momentum as it relates to achieving and exploiting depth during offensive operations. Its purpose is to identify those elements which are essential to achieving and maintaining speed and mass...
Central to the design and conduct of campaigns and major operations is the concept of gravity. However, a thorough understanding of this concept seems to be lacking within the U.S. Army. While some of this misunderstanding exists because of the...
This monograph examines the transformation of military forces, the development of military doctrine and the influence of previous wars. It is an attempt to identify the driving factors of military transformation in general, to look into the role...