Realities of Space Age & the Realities of Carl von Clausewitz's Theories of "Fog and Friction"

Abstract

The advent of Space force enhancement capabilities, as applied directly to improving the effectiveness of forces across the full spectrum of operations by providing worldwide operational assistance to combat elements, potentially reduces the effects of Carl von Clausewitz's famous "fog and friction" of war. The Space assets utilized in Space force enhancement can be critical combat multipliers by providing combatant commanders with real time information that greatly enhances situational awareness and decision- making. But a cautionary note accompanies these technological advances. Satellite technologies provide a commander with a wealth of data, which, if not properly synthesized, have the potential to overwhelm. Thus, modern "fog and friction" can be caused by having to decipher too much information, just as it arises when leaders possess too little data to make measured decisions. Carl von Clausewitz (1780-1831) described the essence of war in his famous work, "On War": "EVERYTHING IN WAR IS VERY SIMPLE, BUT THE SIMPLEST THING IS DIFFICULT. THE DIFFICULTIES ACCUMULATE AND END BY PRODUCING A KIND OF FRICTION THAT IS INCONCEIVABLE UNLESS ONE HAS EXPERIENCED WAR . . . FOG CAN PREVENT THE ENEMY FROM BEING SEEN IN TIME, A GUN FROM FIRING WHEN IT SHOULD, A REPORT FROM REACHING THE COMMANDING OFFICER." There have been many theorists over the years who have analyzed Clausewitz's theories on friction; some speculated that as the technology revolution came to fruition the friction of war would diminish. It is generally believed that the onset of the digital age, and the additional information available to commanders, would greatly reduce the fog and friction of war to virtually nothing. Technological advancements, however, have only improved the access to data and increased the amount of data collected. Technological advancements have not been able to automatically synthesize the collected data into useful intelligible knowledge that aids in a leader's decision.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2008
Accession Number
ADA517915

Entities

People

  • Roger S. Pitt

Organizations

  • United States Army Space and Missile Defense Command

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Army Operations
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Command And Control
  • Doctrine
  • Friction
  • Information Operations
  • Military History
  • Military Operations
  • Military Science
  • National Security
  • Reconnaissance
  • Situational Awareness
  • Space Operations
  • Space Systems
  • Surveillance
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.
  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space