Synchronizing Maneuver and Interdiction in Joint Operations.
Abstract
The advent of air power in the twentieth century combined with the industrialization of armed forces significantly increased the means and opportunities to interdict enemy resupply and movement. While much has been written on the subjects of interdiction and maneuver as separate topics, relatively few works have considered the synchronization of the two. This monograph attempts to establish the relationship between interdiction and maneuver and to determine the techniques necessary to facilitate synchronization. This monograph initially examines current joint doctrine and recent writings on the synchronization of interdiction and maneuver. Next, the monograph analyzes two historical examples selected for their apparent representation of synchronized U.S. combat power in twentieth century mid- to high-intensity warfare. The first vignette, MacArthur's 1943 New Guinea campaign, was chosen because a number of reference works cite it as an excellent example of joint operations in World War II. In addition, it is cited as an example of interdiction in Joint Publication 3-0, Doctrine for Joint Operations. The second vignette, Bradley's Normandy breakout campaign of July 1944, epitomizes the combination of ground maneuver with air interdiction to achieve decisive results. The monograph concludes by synthesizing the analysis of doctrine with the lessons derived from the two historical examples. There are three major findings of this monograph. First, synchronization of interdiction and maneuver is a command function. Second, the joint force commander's concept of operation provides the principal means to synchronize maneuver and interdiction. and, lastly, at the operational level, interdiction provides the means to eliminate the enemy commander's options.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 30, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA314306
Entities
People
- David V. Boslego
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College