Campaign Synergism: Operational Level Combat Power

Abstract

Is the nature of winning at the operational level different than at the tactical level? The author explores this question and determines that there is a fundamental difference that cannot be explained by the combat power model presented in FM 100-5 and further elaborated upon in Brigadier General Wass de Czege's essay, Understanding and developing Combat Power. He concludes that there is another dynamic that overarches the combat power model at the operational level. The elements of combat power, while useful in explaining particular tactical phenomena in major operations and campaigns, do not account for the synergetic nature of many operational level actions. Often the sum of a whole campaign is greater than the sum of its individual battles or major operations. Accordingly, LTC Hoffman presents the outline of a model for campaign synergism--the operational level counterpart to combat power--that seeks to explain the synergetic nature of the operational level of war.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 30, 1990
Accession Number
ADA234393

Entities

People

  • Hugh F.t. Hoffman Iii

Organizations

  • United States Army Command and General Staff College

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  • Energy and Power Technologies

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  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies
  • Theoretical Analysis.