The Army's Gambit: Dislocation Theory and the Development of Doctrine for the Interim Brigade Combat Team
Abstract
This monograph analyzes whether dislocation theory is an appropriate military theory for the Interim Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) to use in developing its warfighting doctrine. It argues that the IBCT's unique mission, force structure, strengths, and weaknesses requires its leaders to mentally shift from the tactics, techniques, and procedures of legacy, firepower based forces. Dislocation theory's strength is that it does not focus on the destruction of the enemy force, but deters the enemy through combat potential, making it a suitable theory across the spectrum of conflict. This monograph reviews the purpose of studying theory and the positive impact it has on leaders, soldiers, and units. The evolution of U.S. Army doctrine from 1939 to the present is analyzed to determine how political decision, the threats, and technology influence doctrine. Field Manual 3-0, Operations, is reviewed and concludes that the emerging Army doctrine not only supports dislocation theory, but each share similar concepts. The four components of dislocation theory: positional, function, temporal, and moral are defined. Combining dislocation theory with the IBCT's unique design parameters demonstrates the potential usefulness. This monograph concludes that dislocation theory is appropriate when used by the IBCT as a shaping operation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA386990
Entities
People
- Kenneth P. Adgie
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College