Clausewitzian Trinity: A Vague Concept or a Tool for the Attack.
Abstract
This monograph studies the meaning behind the infamous Clausewitzian concept of the trinity which embodies the essence of warfare. This underlying essence permeates his discussion of warfare throughout his book. The monograph first goes into an explanation of the trinity using various sources to amplify that what Carl Von Clausewitz was describing drives all the complex interactions of humanity. Finally, we examine how an understanding of the trinity can be a tool for the tactical commander who must execute the attack. A tactical scenario is used to illustrate Clausewitz's basic premise that warfare is never executed in a vacuum. The trinity affects the factors that lead up to the conflict- the movement of troops to the battlefield and the exchanging of bullets with enemy formations. While normally associated with the national level and strategic level of war, the true nature of the trinity affects every organization down to the last member of the squad. The commander who can conceptualize the reality and effect of the trinity will go into battle better prepared to lead and to execute the assigned mission.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 17, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA289157
Entities
People
- Jack F. Smith
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College