A Sense of Locality and Tactical Agility,
Abstract
This monograph examines the importance of a military commander's ability to sense the terrain and relates this ability to his ability to act facter than the enemy. This agility is critical to tactical success. As agility is one of the four tenets of the U.S. Army's fighting doctrine it is important that the Army determine means to improve tactical agility. Since developing a sense of locality is one way to promote tactical agility, this monograph examines the relationship between these two concepts and shows that a sense of locality is essential for tactical agility. The discussion begins with consideration of the theoretical and doctrinal aspects of terrain, a sense of locality, tactics, and agility. It includes an examination of the elements of a sense of locality, a definition of tactical agility, and an analysis of the relationship between a sense of locality and tactical agility. To illustrate this relationship two historical battles are briefly examined: General Stonewall Jackson at the Battle of Winchester during his Shenandoah Valley Campaign in the Spring of 1862 and General Norman D. Cota at the Battle of Schmidt in Nov 1944. The discussion and illustrations provide valuable lessons on means of developing a sense of locality and promoting tactical agility. The lessons reinforce the need for a thorough study of available information on the terrain and force capabilities, for personal reconassance, and for reflection prior to battle on use of the terrain during battle.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 13, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA179238
Entities
People
- Don T. Riley
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College