The Art of War in Transition?
Abstract
Transition points occur in many activities; they are pivotal junctions in the determination of the future course of events. Identification of such points is crucial if a commander is to make effective and efficient use of the military resources that his nation makes available to him. In particular, during armed conflict, the identification of victor or loser can be as simple as determining which force failed to identify and adjust to the changing characteristics of war. The purpose of this monograph is to examine transition through a filter of six factors and determine whether or not we are presently undergoing a change in the nature of war. Specifically, the research question of this monograph is as follows: Do recent developments in technology, intelligence gathering capability weapons systems, command and control architecture, the military aspects of space and time, and the relationship among the elements of the Clausewitzian trinity suggest that the military strategy of the classic decisive battle is returning? To answer this question I use these six factors to examine three historical examples: Napoleon's battle at Austerlitz, Grant's 1865 campaign, and the Gulf War.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 12, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA254122
Entities
People
- William R. Cleveland
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College