The Name Enough Division and Seizing the Initiative in Large-Scale Combat Operations
Abstract
The recently published Field Manual (FM) 3-0, Operations identifies large-scale combat operations as the greatest challenge facing US Army forces in the future. These operations against peer threats will be significantly more demanding in terms of operational tempo and lethality relative to the US Army's recent experiences in overseas contingency operations. The US Army's armored forces must prepare to seize and maintain the initiative by employing the elements of operational art to succeed in large-scale combat operations. Considering this challenge, the US Army 4th Armored Division's application of the elements of operational art specifically tempo, operational reach, transitions, and risk in large-scale combat operations provides an example of how armored units seized, retained, and exploited the initiative against a peer threat in the European Theater of Operations of WWII. Insights gathered from case studies of the 4th Armored Division's actions against the German Army in Operation Cobra and the encirclement of Nancy can inform today's commanders and staffs as they wrestle with overcoming the challenges presented by large-scale combat operations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 23, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1083300
Entities
People
- Nicholas W. Drake
Organizations
- School of Advanced Military Studies