The Hollandia Campaign: The Indirect Approach in Operational Maneuver
Abstract
The concept known as the indirect approach provides several lessons of value to today's operational commanders. The purpose of this paper is to study the indirect approach, and, in light of that concept, use a historical campaign and the principles of war to derive lessons of value to the operational commander. This paper details the underlying concepts of the indirect approach as executed in the Hollandia campaign of World War II, relates those concepts to the principles of war, and describes lessons derived from the indirect approach that are applicable to the operational commander of today. The indirect approach concept is derived largely from the writings of B.H. Liddell Hart. and is found in current doctrine. Two basic supporting concepts can be deduced from these sources: minimal combat through dislocation and surprise, and fighting weakness with strength. The Hollandia campaign provides an excellent example of the indirect approach and its relationship to the principles of offensive, maneuver, surprise, mass, and economy of force. Lessons derived for today's operational commander include the importance of viewing the indirect approach from more than a geographic perspective; the value of amphibious operations; the value of the C3I resources in seizing and maintaining the initiative; the limitations when fighting a primitive force; the tradeoff between surprise and flexibility; the importance of minimal combat; and the value of synchronization through joint operations....Indirect approach, Operational maneuver, Concept, Doctrine, Forces, Assault, Surprise.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 18, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA264126
Entities
People
- William A. Meidenbauer
Organizations
- Naval War College