Planning for the Synergy of Synchronized Fires
Abstract
This paper categorizes the three types of fires: strategic, operational, and tactical based on the effects they achieve in relation to the tactical battlespace. Strategic fire affects begin at the level of war spanning multiple operations, operational fires affect an in-progress campaign or major operation and the tactical level only affects the battle. Each level also is unique in the relative amount of time required for the effects to impact the battlefield: strategic the longest and tactical almost immediately. By carefully synchronizing the three types of fires in time and space, a synergistic effect is created at the tactical level of warfare that can be exploited by the operational commander. Specific examples are used to identify similar characteristics in each type of fire, concentrating primarily on the time required for the effect to manifest at the tactical level. Lastly, Operation OVERLORD is cited as a case example of how the effects of the three types of fires combined to provide synergy to Eisenhower, albeit unintentionally.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 04, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA400941
Entities
People
- Christopher D. Harness
Organizations
- Naval War College