Purely Military Advice: Military Translation of Strategic Policy in Wars of Limited Aims
Abstract
This monograph is meant to inform operational level military officers as they interpret political policy and develop campaign plans. Evidence demonstrates that operational artists translate presidential policy and negotiate elements of operational art from emergent political strategy. The criteria identify the commander with both the authority to advise policy makers, and the responsibility to arrange the forces capable of achieving a policy objective, as the operational artist. Case studies from the 2007 Iraq Surge and the 2009 Afghanistan Surge examine deliberations between the president and the military. Friction occurred as generals negotiated, or failed to negotiate, ways and means that would enable the development of campaign plans capable of achieving the policy maker's desired end state. The conclusion affirms Clausewitz's notion that providing "purely military advice" to politicians is not preferable, and that operational level military officers are responsible for understanding the political aims of the war.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 23, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1088273
Entities
People
- Matthew G. Mattingly
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College