For the Duration: The Lessons of Protracted Conflict
Abstract
This monograph discusses the importance of learning lessons from a study of operations by the Confederate Army of Tennessee during the American Civil War, using a theoretical model developed by Mr. James J. Schneider in Theoretical Paper No. 3. Mr. Schneider's model develops the idea that armed forces go through stages of cohesion, disorganization, and disintegration at the operational level because of the effects of the destructive tempo of combat and the environment. He uses the relationships between four components of his model; the physical, moral and cybernetic domains, and a casualty component, to describe the ability of armed forces to overcome the stress of military operations. Using this model, an analysis of the operations of the Army of Tennessee allows us to draw three lessons. The first is that armed forces usually fight at less than perfect levels of cohesion and are more prone to disorganization than expected. The second lesson is that a defeated army must be pursued in order to prevent it from reorganizing and continuing to conduct operations. The last lesson is that initial expectations of military success are not guaranteed. In order to continue operating in a protracted conflict it is essential to develop branches and sequels for all military operations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 20, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA253168
Entities
People
- John M. Stawasz
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College