Effects-Based Operations: Tactical Utility
Abstract
Effects-Based Operations (EBO) is an emerging operational concept that seeks to obtain a desired strategic outcome or effect on the enemy through the synergistic and cumulative application of the full range of military and non-military capabilities at all levels of conflict. Most of the information written about EBO examines its utility at the strategic and operational levels, but there is a general lack of information on its relevance at the tactical level. This thesis compares the effects-based approach to operations against the current objectives-based approach to operations. The thesis suggests that EBO have tactical utility to the U.S. Army: that effects are more enduring than tasks. This approach directs action based on the effects that are desired, providing more enduring guidance than the use of tasks to direct action. The effects-based approach is more effective at directing action likely to move the state of conflict to the desired end state, while discouraging counterproductive action. Use of effects provides subordinates greater latitude in determining appropriate tasks, purposes, and methods, while ensuring actions are within the commander's intent. The approach fosters adaptive organizations through the requirement to assess results against the causal linkage between actions and effects; recognizes that actions create multiple effects, intended and unintended; and is better suited across the spectrum of operations because the analytical process is unchanged regardless of the operation. Finally, the effects-based approach provides greater opportunity for unified action from the tactical level through to the strategic level by breaking the conquest paradigm and recognizing that actions by military forces affect the military, diplomatic, informational, and economic lines of operations. This thesis measures EBO against three conditions: the contemporary operating environment, the Army Future Force, and tactical warfare. (2 tables, 9 figures, 33 refs.) 7
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 18, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA428961
Entities
People
- John T. Harris
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College