OP Art to the Rescue: Fundamentals for a Hostage Crisis.

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to underscore the importance of operational art in the planning and execution of a hostage rescue operation. With this form of asymmetrical threat, strategic and operational leaders are faced with a difficult challenge where political objectives are wholly dependent on a focused tactical action. The critical influence of the action and interaction of operational factors, in a highly charged political context, is vividly illustrated by comparing the 1980 U.S. operation in Iran with the 1976 Israeli operation in Entebbe. This comparison contrasts and highlights four areas: first, the political context and ensuing strategic guidance, second, factor space including hostage location, distance and weather; third, factor time and the impact on planning, intelligence, and training; and finally factor forces, where the effects and interdependence of readiness, operational security, command and control and force protection were decisive in the varied outcomes of the two operations.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 18, 1998
Accession Number
ADA351735

Entities

People

  • Ed Flora

Organizations

  • Naval War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • C4I
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aircrafts
  • Command And Control
  • Delta Force
  • Dust Storms
  • Electronic Equipment
  • Force Protection
  • Guidance
  • Low Altitude
  • Military Operations
  • National Security
  • New York
  • Personnel Management
  • Security
  • Students
  • United States
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.
  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies

Technology Areas

  • Fully Networked C3
  • Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control
  • Space