Operational Art - Quo Vadis
Abstract
Operational art, subject to a transformation of meaning over time, is today more a vaguely defined phenomenon than a clearly defined term. On the whole, the concept of operational art is the result of the hierarchical organization of warfare derived from practical experience rather than the product of a thorough theoretical analysis. This study is designed to empirically approach the nature of the interpretation of operational art through the lens of military history. The focus is an examination of operational art against a background of era-related historical experience to determine the consistency and change in operational art since World War I and the factors responsible. The application of this analysis perhaps will provide practical answers to the challenges of modem warfare. The industrialized, modem war is characterized by a reduction in the significance of purely military factors. Simultaneously, the dependence of warfare on the economic and technological potential of society has increased. The destruction or attrition of military resources is only one factor impacting operational art and its contribution to the decision of war.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 15, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA395026
Entities
People
- Fritz A. Gawehns
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College