Operational Art for Space Control: Do the Principles of War Apply
Abstract
The technology of war has changed and joint force commanders must be prepared to fight symmetric and asymmetric threats. Within this context, the US has committed to developing/fielding space control weapon systems. This presents a new challenge for the commander; how to employ a key component of operational art, the principles of war, to best create and execute effective and integrated space control courses of action and Strategy. DESERT SHIELD demonstrated the need for a thought-out and documented concept of employment derived from sound operational art prior to hostilities. Armed with capable systems but lacking key OPART components, it took US/Coalition forces over six minutes to disseminate detection/warning of the first Iraqi Scud launch. Had a matured and documented OPART been developed using the principles the time line would not have taken six minutes. All principles of war are applicable to space control operations. However, the principles of objective, offensive, and security serve as an optimal rallying point from which to create space control schema. Proponents of emerging concepts contend the principles are no longer valid, and in some cases applying the principles to space control may prove counterproductive to overarching objectives. The world has changed however the principles are still valid and effective in crafting space control COAs if considered within context of overarching objectives. Given the impending fielding/employment of space control weapon systems we must take time now to craft and document applicable OPART methods to ensure effective integration and employment of these capabilities.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 13, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA463702
Entities
People
- George E. Tromba
Organizations
- Naval War College