Rapid Decisive Operations. The Search for the Holy Grail of Joint Warfighting
Abstract
This study examines the concept of Rapid Decisive Operations (RDO) and seeks to answer the question of whether or not Rapid Decisive Operations is an achievable concept for the establishment of future Joint Warfighting Doctrine. This study starts with a detailed look at what Rapid Decisive Operations is, what it hopes to accomplish, and what important assumptions are being made in developing this concept. The viability of the Rapid Decisive Operations concept will be based on the criteria of acceptability, feasibility, suitability and risk. This paper will show that Rapid Decisive Operations is the beginning of a new Joint doctrine/concept of warfighting that has the potential of developing a Joint team with a shared training, education and military culture. A doctrine/concept that should embed Jointness within all of the Services as the United States continues to transform its military forces to meet future threats. But, much like the search for the elusive Holy Grail, Rapid Decisive Operations is an ideal that nations have searched for since the early days of warfare: A way to end a conflict with one decisive blow. Unfortunately, modern war is much more complicated. Just winning battles will not win wars.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 05, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA401661
Entities
People
- David R. Hogg
Organizations
- United States Army War College