The Maoist Revolutionary model provides a template of a successful revolution. Both the Taliban and the Chinese underwent similar circumstances. Both movements formed as a result of failed states seeking ways to restore unity and order within their...
Complexity theory has attracted considerable interest from operational artists in recent times. However, because it is still an emerging field, there are few -- if any -- historical case studies that show how complexity applies to military...
Operational design is an intellectual exercise that draws on the creative vision, experience, intuition, and judgment of commanders to provide a framework for development of detailed operation plans. Recently, a number of authors have questioned...
Operations short of war, which are often dangerous and challenging, are a big concern for today's Armed Forces. Also important is the study of operational art. The linkage between these two concepts, not yet fully developed, is critical. Defining...
The purpose of this monograph is to consider the proposal put forth in Douglas A. Macgregor's study Breaking the Phalanx: A New Design for Landpower in the 21st Century. In short, the paper's research question asks, should the Army adopt a...
This monograph investigates operational defense with particular emphasis on future major regional contingencies. Theory, history, and modern U.S. Army doctrine and training are explored. The first portion of the monograph investigates what three...
The concept of "operational fires" has been proposed within the Army as one of several operating systems at the operational level of war in the same sense that Battlefield Operating Systems have proven their utility at the tactical level. However,...
Since the end of the Cold War, the United States government has increasingly deployed its Army forces in support of global stability and support operations. Based on the 2010 Department of Defense Review and the Department of Defense Directive...
The Armed Forces of the Netherlands are currently in a reorganization process in order to improve the balance between tasks and capabilities. Specific materiel is being disposed of and organizations are downsized to achieve this balance. The...
Today, many analysts predict China’s growing economy and military strength will eventually create a peer competitor for the United States (US). Others fear China’s globally expanding influence will threaten US national security interests and...
This monograph examines Joint Task Force (JTF) SUPPORT HOPE operations to determine if aspects of this crisis response apply to all U.S. power projection operations. It provides an overview of the crisis and JTF support of U.N. and NGO relief...
Some decision makers and analysts believe that increased networking and technological advances have increased a commander 's span of control, thus allowing for an elimination of the US Army 's corps echelon of command. Aside from span of control...
Sorrells, William T., Downing, Glen R., Blakesley, Paul J., Pendall, David W., Walk, Jason K., Wallwork, Richard D.
Systemic Operational Design (SOD) is an application of systems theory to operational art. It is an attempt to rationalize complexity through systemic logic employing a holistic approach that translates strategic direction and policy into...