First Principles: The Foundation of Twenty-First Century Army Operations.
Abstract
This monograph discusses the proposed principles of Army operations found in the coordinating draft of the revised 1998 FM 100-5, Operations. It centers on determining whether the proposed principles form the fundamental base for Army operations of the twenty-first century. The monograph first examines the current principles of war and operations other than war found in the 1993 version of FM 100-5. Then, it presents a brief description of the proposed principles as well as changes to the 1993 definitions. The analysis compares the proposed principles to the imperatives of offensive, defensive, stability, and support operations found in the coordinating draft of FM 100-5 to determine whether the proposed principles form the fundamental base for Army operations. The analysis concludes with observations concerning two new principles: exploitation and morale. The principal findings of this study indicate that the proposed principles form the fundamental base for many Army operations. However, the new principle of exploitation provides nothing towards Army operations not encompassed by the principles of 'offensive' and 'maneuver'. The new principle of morale is subordinate to leadership, a component of the defunct dynamics of combat power, and should not be included as a first principle. The proposed principles neglect the concepts of legitimacy, perseverance, and restraint to the detriment of stability and support operations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 18, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA331270
Entities
People
- Brent A. Cornstubble
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College