Surprise: Get Used To It

Abstract

Strategic surprise is one of the most feared dilemmas that a country can suffer. United States Army doctrine, FM 100-5, Operations, says that strategic surprise is extremely difficult to achieve. Empirical historical evidence does not support this position. In fact, strategic surprise is frightfully easy to accomplish. U.S. Army doctrine should be change reflect this not so uncommon phenomenon. The revised doctrine should address both the positive and negative aspects of surprise. It should also provide for the planning considerations for exploitation of the surprised to maximize/capitalize upon the effects and benefits that accrue to the surpriser.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 17, 1993
Accession Number
ADA266732

Entities

People

  • Craig A. Peterson

Organizations

  • Naval War College

Tags

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  • C4I
  • Counter WMD
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  • Battles
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  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Defense Planning
  • Intelligence Community
  • Intelligence Cycle
  • International Organizations
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  • National Security
  • Second World War
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  • United States
  • War
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Readers

  • Educational Psychology
  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies