War as a Whole: Operational Shock and Operational Art
Abstract
The paper argues that there is no discrete operational level of war. Operational art is merely a function that needs to be performed. Operational art is the application of mechanical tactical means to achieve abstract strategic ends. At the core of this art is the concept of operational shock. Maneuver theory seeks ways to defeat the will of an enemy without having to destroy all his forces. Operational shock applies this thinking to the operational system of the enemy. A military operational system comprises its mission, its forces and the geographic space it influences. Operational shock aims to deprive this system of the ability to achieve its purpose and therefore enables us to move away from the need to destroy all of the enemy's fielded forces. It is therefore the core of operational art, which arose from the difficulty attendant on defeat of the nation-in-arms. The creation of operational shock is the organizing idea behind operational design and the conceptual link between tactical action and strategic results. The paper discusses some aspects of operational design that may enhance the prospects of inflicting operational shock.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 09, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA401657
Entities
People
- J. D. Kelly
Organizations
- United States Army War College