The concept of winning wars when outnumbered is critical to United States doctrine in the 1980s and- 1990s. As the product of domestic and allied force structuring, our most dangerous enemy has developed a clear cut superiority in mass. That disadvantage does not however, relieve planners of the responsibility for developing plans that propose ways of defeating our larger enemy. This study examines the elements of operational dynamics in light of their use as tools in the development of such a plan. The vehicle for this examination is the Second Manassas Campaign of the American Civil War....

This study examines the main effort concept to determine if it is a necessary element for the design of a campaign plan. Current joint operational doctrine fails to address the main effort concept. This study examines service tactical doctrine, service operational doctrine, theory, and contemporary writers to articulate an operational main effort concept. The main effort concept and ends, ways and means variables are then used to analyze four campaigns: Germany's successful 1940 campaign to conquer France; Germany's unsuccessful 1942 campaign on the Russian Southern Front; Japan's...

The most successful organizational adaptation initiatives focus on organizational culture, professionalism and professional development of the individual soldier first, rather than investing in a priority of effort to improve organizational structure and technological advances. The layperson focuses on developing, designing and equipping organizational structures to cope with future challenges. Why? Because, it is not very complicated in the grand scheme of the adaptation process to change the outward appearance of an organization. Rather, great leaders, true professionals, leading the most...

The purpose of this book is to examine if, Army operational terms apply to an air battle? The Air Force mission is to gain air supremacy and, by doing this, it indirectly supports the Army. Once air superiority is established, the Air Force directly supports the Army by air resupply and ground attack. It is important that Air Force officers understand and be able to apply the terms and ideas the ground commanders will be using. Common terminology leads to common understanding and can prevent critical errors. The Battle of Britain was the first and arguably the only battle that was decided...