Case Yellow and the Modern Campaign Planner
Abstract
Perhaps the wisest statement to be found in any official military publication appears in Marine Corps Doctrinal Publication 1, Warfighting: "A leader without either interest in or knowledge of the history and theory of warfare-the intellectual content of the military profession-is a leader in appearance only." Mastering the art of operational planning depends more on the staff officer's intellectual ability than on anything else. Breadth and depth of experience are indispensable, but by themselves are inert, a point that Frederick the Great-whose views on the subject are shared by other of the West's most successful commanders-often expressed in his memorably pithy way. "A mule who has carried a pack for ten campaigns under Prince Eugene will be a no better tactician for it," Frederick once said, "and it must be confessed, to the disgrace of humanity, that many men grow old in an otherwise respectable profession without making any greater progress than this mule." A reflective turn of mind has no place in combat, but effective operational planning very much hinges on intellection-particularly the vigorous study of campaigns from the past. History cannot be regarded as a medium for prophecies, nor is it a fable that teaches ironclad lessons in a simpleminded way. What military history does resemble is tragedy. The most affecting and instructive narratives center on the reversal of fortune striking a country suddenly or catching it unawares-the collapse all the more pitiable because it can be contrasted with past glory. Chance has its place in such stories, but at heart tragedy proceeds from the actions-and so reflects the character of talented but fallible commanders and statesmen. The universality of history, its reflection of our capacity for greatness, and our innate frailties of mind and morals thus can help sharpen the judgment and inform the intuition of the staff officer in ways that no other professional activity can.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA515503
Entities
People
- Brian J. Hanley
Organizations
- National Defense University