Toward a Primer on Operational Art
Toward a Primer on Operational Art

Author: David L. Ward

Publisher:

Published: 1999

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13:

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The 1993 version of FM 100-5 advertises itself as concentrating on the operational level of war. It defines several terms that are used in operational art, but inadequately explains how they relate to one another. The terms and definitions contained in the 1993 version of FM 100-5 do not match the definitions and terms of the characteristics of operational art included in Joint Publication 3.0 Doctrine for Joint Operations published in 1995. These gaps and disconnects in understanding have often led to confusion and hindered the intellectual development of the field grade officer in the U.S. Army. This monograph will answer the research question, "Can an Operational Art Primer be developed to train field grade officers?" in the affirmative. The author will propose a mental framework that allows users to develop a concept of operation at the operational level. It will answer the four requirements of operational art and address the fourteen characteristics of operational art listed in Joint Publication 3.0 Doctrine for Joint Operations. This framework will incorporate General System Theory and allow the user to design a campaign to shock the enemy system. The mental framework consists of considering operational art in three interrelated groups. They are systems, operations and force mixes and composition. Systems, operations and force mixes are melded together to form a conceptual framework. The framework provides the user with what needs to happen when, in order to induce shock into the enemy system and what resources are required. This framework is explained in chapter four. The framework will serve as a memory aid for the SAMS graduate and allow for the education of the non-SAMS or CGSC graduate. It will result in a more efficient battlestaff and the practice of a higher level of operational art.

The Evolution of Operational Art
The Evolution of Operational Art

Author: John Andreas Olsen

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2011

Total Pages: 288

ISBN-13: 0199599483

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Broadly defined as the grey area between strategy and tactics, operational art spans the theory and practice of planning and conducting campaigns and major operations aimed at accomplishing strategic and operational objectives in a given theatre of operations. An intermediate link between strategy and tactics has always existed, but a distinct concept that encompasses a systematic and deliberate plan of campaign for major operations is a mere two hundred years old. Based on country specific case-studies, this book describes how the concepts that underpin operational art originated, how they received practical expression in various campaigns, and how they developed over time. The point of departure is the campaigns of 'the God of War', Napoleon Bonaparte. The book then proceeds with chapters on the evolution of operational art in Prussia / Germany, the Soviet Union / Russia, the United Kingdom, United States, Israel, and China. The final chapter deals with the future of operational art in irregular warfare. Theory is critical to refining and improving existing methods of applying operational warfare, and its importance cannot be overstated; however, to be useful, theory and its accompanying vocabulary must be combined with a proper examination of historical trends and practical experience. The present volume attempts to achieve that combination. This book is a project of the Oxford Leverhulme Programme on the Changing Character of War.

On Operations
On Operations

Author: Brett Friedman

Publisher: Naval Institute Press

Published: 2021-10-15

Total Pages: 251

ISBN-13: 168247707X

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On Operations: Operational Art and Military Disciplines traces the history of the development of military staffs and ideas on the operational level of war and operational art from the Napoleonic Wars to today, viewing them through the lens of Prussia/Germany, the Soviet Union, and the United States. B. A. Friedman concludes that the operational level of war should be rejected as fundamentally flawed, but that operational art is an accurate description of the activities of the military staff, an organization developed to provide the brainpower necessary to manage the complexity of modern military operations. Rather than simply serve as an intercession between levels, the military staff exists as an enabler and supporting organization to tacticians and strategists alike. On Operations examines the organization of military staffs, which has changed little since Napoleon’s time. Historical examinations of the functions staffs provided to commanders, and the disciplines of the staff officers themselves, leads to conclusions about how best to organize staffs in the future. Friedman demonstrates these ideas through case studies of historical campaigns based on the military discipline system developed.

On Operational Art
On Operational Art

Author: Center of Center of Military History United States Army

Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

Published: 2015-02-06

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781507855577

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On Operational Art, a companion volume to Michael D. Krause's and R. Cody Phillips's Historical Perspectives of the Operational Art, captures the doctrinal debate over the concept of operational art. Edited by Clayton R. Newell and Michael D. Krause, the well-organized anthology presents a snapshot of the development of operational art when the Army's attention was focused on Europe and the Soviet Union. Consisting of original essays by distinguished historians and senior military commanders, to include a prominent German officer, the collection has not only a joint and combined flavor but also a tactical and strategic dimension. Reflecting contemporary thoughts on new developments in U.S. military doctrine and covering significant battles and campaigns from the past, On Operational Art is invaluable as a frame of reference for understanding the operational level of war from the insightful commentary on the various aspects of practical application. Those interested in the theory of war will find it useful for studying the evolution of doctrine from theory into practice.