Determining Tempo & Momentum of the Marine Expeditionary Force in the Spacetime Dimension
Abstract
The noted Prussian theorist, Carl von Clausewitz wrote about the concentration of forces in space, and the unification of forces in time, as though they were two separate entities. Albert Einstein, however, with the advent of his theories on special and general relativity, linked space and time into one entity spacetime. Given the complexities of the modern battlespace it is necessary for military commanders and planners to conceive operations using Einstein s concept of spacetime instead of Clausewitz s discreet approach. This is important because the perception of an adaptive enemy s movement is relative to the movement of Marine forces (e.g., Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF)). Therefore, neither combatant will agree on their observations of either space or time. This fact, coupled with the Marine Expeditionary Force s desire to place him in a position of disadvantage, requires the MEF to act faster (in decision-making and execution) so that it might generate more tempo and momentum than its adversary is capable of reacting to. The Marine Corps defines tempo and momentum as controlling the rate of actions and interactions within a campaign to maintain the initiative. Tempo is relative and not absolute. The focus must be on ensuring that our THE MEF s tempo is superior to an enemy s. This author asserts that to determine tempo and momentum, in relation to one s adversary, the MEF commander must take advantage of information management (IM). This advantage must take place in Einstein's spacetime dimension. This dimension is the theoretical understanding that space and time can no longer be thought of as an inert backdrop on which the events of the universe play themselves out; rather, through special and then general relativity, they are intimate players in the events themselves.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 31, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA393565
Entities
People
- Mike Brown
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College