Decisive Operations: Defined.
Abstract
This monograph answers the question: Is the term, decisive operations, as defined in the Final Draft of Field Manual (FM) 100-40, Tactics, consistent with Joint and U.S. Army doctrine? This monograph concludes that the definition for decisive operations provided in FM 100-40, Tactics, is inconsistent with FM 100-5. The definition fails to adequately the purpose of the mission. The definition found in FM 100-40, Tactics, states that decisive operations are "All actions applying to military capabilities that strike at decisive points." This definition fails to adequately address the purpose of the mission and therefore is incomplete. Any definition for decisive operations should be linked to decisive points and center of gravity in order to insure that the mission is accomplished. Decisive points provide an advantage when achieved but do not achieve the purpose alone. Decisive points provide access to the center of gravity. Operations that omit the center of gravity fail to achieve the purpose. This monograph brings out shortcomings in current doctrinal discussions for decisive operations and recommends the following definition: "the simultaneous application of military capabilities in order to achieve a purpose. It is implied that the purpose should be linked to concepts such as decisive points and center of gravity." This linkage ensures that the adversary's center of gravity attracts the focus of the commander's military capabilities and the purpose associated with the center of gravity is achieved. It is recommended that the definition found in the FM 100-40 (Coordinating Draft) include linkage to the purpose and its dependence on the concept of center of gravity.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 27, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA370301
Entities
People
- Thomas C. Dovey
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College