The Battle of Crete and Its Implications for Modern Contingency Operations
Abstract
This monograph examines the implications for modern contingency operations of the World War II German assault on the island of Crete. Emerging United States security strategy places increasing reliance on crisis response capabilities. Evolving military doctrine, based substantially on American experiences in the last decade, stresses the achievement of quick, decisive victory with minimum casualties. The German experience on Crete suggests that contingency operations requiring forced entry may be prolonged and costly undertakings. The focus of research is on deriving applicable parallels between the seizure of Crete, recent United States experiences, and potential future contingency requirements. The monograph first highlights emerging contingency requirements and corresponding doctrinal developments. It next describes the background to the seizure of Crete in 1941, Operation MERCURY. It then analyzes the assault through the use of tactical themes which relate this specific case to recent American experiences and to contingency operations in general. These themes are acquisition of intelligence, tactical and strategic surprise, operational planning, logistic preparations, the impact of tactical reverses, requirements for specialized units, and joint force integration at tactical levels. From this analysis, the monograph concludes that a contingency response doctrine based only on recent American experiences is inadequate, potentially leading to failure in situations where determined and well prepared opposition is encountered. It recommends several factors for consideration in future contingencies, based on the tactical themes traced through the analysis of Operation MERCURY.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA264472
Entities
People
- Blair A. Ross Jr.
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College