Operational Art in the Conduct of Naval Operations,
Abstract
Using the Joint definition of operational art, and in the context of the historical development of operational art, evaluation criteria are developed to examine an historical naval operation of sufficient extent and scope to have required some approximation of operational artistry. Using the suggested evaluation criteria, this paper explores the use of operational art in naval operations in the Pacific Campaign of World War II. This paper also seeks to investigate the impact of the experience of using operational art on subsequent naval thinking, as expressed in post-World War II naval strategy and operations. The impact of doctrine and the linkage between planning and operational art are also reviewed within the context of post-Cold War naval operations. Finally, this paper suggests possible benefits that the Navy could derive from the study application of operational art. The practice of operational art was evident in the planning and execution of naval operations in the Pacific Theater during WWII. Admirals Nimitz and King clearly linked ends, ways and means to ensure that operations were only undertaken with adequate resources, and the operations undertaken clearly supported the allied wartime strategy. The operations of all services combined to provide simultaneous attacks in breadth, as well as depth, and resulted in the destruction of the offensive military capability of the Japanese, as well as the destruction of their will to continue to fight. Naval operational art, as expressed in the context of naval doctrine, may be a vehicle to reinvigorate the deliberate planning process within the Navy. Naval doctrine can also guide Joint and naval commanders in the optimum use of naval forces in future Joint operations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 11, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA340139
Entities
People
- Richard W. Durham
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College