Authorities Required to Conduct Multi-Domain Operations
Abstract
Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) is being discussed by all services today as a new concept. This concept is not new; in fact, MDO has been executed multiple times throughout history. This monograph proposes that commanders must possess the necessary authority to use MDO against a peer or near-peer adversary effectively. These authorities will enable commanders to prioritize efforts and synchronize effects across all domains. For this to occur, a single commander must be able to utilize capabilities across the entirety of the DOD enterprise. To demonstrate that MDO is not a new phenomenon, this monograph will evaluate a single case study focused on two battles in the pacific theater during World War II: New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. From examining these two battles across time and space, it will become clear that Admiral Nimitz and General MacArthur both conducted MDO against the Japanese in the Pacific Campaign. These commanders were successful by employing assets and capabilities from all domains to deliver devastating effects on a numerically superior adversary. Both commanders were successful because they possessed the authority to synchronize all of their limited assets across all domains (Air, Land, Maritime, and ULTRA) available during WWII.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 21, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1159435
Entities
People
- Matthew S. Lyles
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College