The Falkland Islands - An Example of Operational Art
Abstract
This paper focuses on the definition of operational art. While it does not propose to offer a definition which will forever remove doubt as to the meaning of operational art, it does offer good suggestions as to how operational art might be defined. In his effort to better define the operational art, the author examines a recent military operation--the Falklands War. This is done to identify whether the Falklands War was, in fact, an example of operational art, and if so, what aspects of the war can be used to better define the operational art. The sequence adopted for the paper is to first address operational art historically, offering some ideas as to how it might be defined. Next the paper addresses the historical background of the events leading up to the Falklands War and the operations in the Falklands by both the British and the Argentines. Finally, the author develops the thought that the operational art is an inherent part of the achievement of strategic goals and is not necessarily related to force size. That is to say, whether or not the operational art is being used is not determined by the size of the force being used.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA168722
Entities
People
- Michael J. Nevin
Organizations
- United States Army War College