Operational Pauses: Minimizing the Effects of Culmination in Joint Operations

Abstract

The purpose of this monograph is to determine how operational pauses can be best sequenced in order to minimize the effects of culmination on the AirLand Battle battlefield. This study focuses at the operational level and joint operations. My methodology began by examining the theoretical and doctrinal foundation for pauses in major operations. I then examined three case studies. This monograph concludes that while the term 'operational pause' has become a part of our operational vernacular, it remains undefined in our doctrine. I provide a proposed definition of the term and show how it can serve as a tool for the operational commander in designing the conduct of his campaign plans. When properly employed, an operational pause allows an operational commander to retain the initiative on the battlefield by shifting his main effort from one service component to another. This monograph concludes with some proposed subjects for further study on the concept of operational pauses.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 09, 1991
Accession Number
ADA243342

Entities

People

  • Donald C. Mcgraw Jr.

Organizations

  • United States Army Command and General Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • C4I
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Interdiction
  • Air Power
  • Combat Forces
  • Combat Operations
  • Command And Control
  • Continents
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Deployment
  • Doctrine
  • Land Warfare
  • Marine Corps
  • Military History
  • Military Operations
  • Military Organizations
  • United States
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies
  • Systems Analysis and Design