The Essence of Operational Maneuver

Abstract

Operational Art, the link between strategy and tactics is currently a favorite topic for doctrinal discussion. Yet the operational level application of the elements of combat power -- maneuver, firepower, protection and leadership -- has not been fully addressed. This paper focuses on defining operational maneuver. First, current doctrinal definitions of operational art and maneuver are examined. Then, General Robert E. Lee's defense of Richmond during the Civil War and General Douglas MacArthur's campaign to defend Australia and advance to the Philippines are outlined. These two vignettes highlight how these two masters of operational art used operational maneuver to win their campaigns. The evidence drawn from current doctrine and the two historical examples is analyzed to discloses the essence of operational maneuver.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 1989
Accession Number
ADA217522

Entities

People

  • James P. Mcgourin

Organizations

  • Air War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Force Facilities
  • Air Power
  • Center Of Gravity
  • Command And Control
  • Doctrine
  • Geography
  • Military Education
  • Military Organizations
  • Military Science
  • New Guinea
  • Ridges
  • Terrain
  • Topography
  • United States
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies
  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.