Tunisian Campaign during WWII: Examining Operational Art through the Battle of Kasserine Pass and Battle of El Guettar

Abstract

This study explores how Allied operational-level commanders and staffs in the Tunisian Campaign of World War II understood and applied what is known today as operational art. Case studies of the Battles of Kasserine Pass and El Guettar illustrate how the Anglo-American Allies combined tactical actions in time, space, and purpose to achieve strategic objectives. Each case study assesses the Allies' operational-level planning and decision making through the lens of three elements of operational art - end state and conditions, tempo, and operational reach - focusing on the US II Corps' operations. The monograph contributes to the ongoing debate on whether the Battle of Kasserine Pass resulted in an operational level victory or defeat. The analysis reveals how components of operational art can exist, even in the event of a tactical failure.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 20, 2021
Accession Number
AD1160643

Entities

People

  • Joshua E. Bobbitt

Organizations

  • School of Advanced Military Studies

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Active Defense
  • Artillery
  • Case Studies
  • Civil War
  • Civil War (United States)
  • Combat Operations
  • Fixed Wing Aircraft
  • Governments
  • International Security
  • Measurement
  • Military Capabilities
  • Military History
  • Military Operations
  • New York
  • North Africa
  • Schools
  • Second World War
  • Security
  • Task Forces
  • United States
  • Universities
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies

Technology Areas

  • Space