An Uncertain Relationship: Special Operations and Clausewitz's on War
Abstract
An understanding of the uncertainty of war and warfare is critical to reaching an understanding of special operations. This uncertainty exerts effects on the specific military requirements of both special and conventional operations, and reveals the differences that must define both. Defining special operations simply as activities that lack a broad conventional requirement,without highlighting the role of uncertainty, obscures the true nature of special operations and . hinders the organization and training of forces that conduct them. Clausewitz's concept of "trinitarian" war provides an analytical framework to understand special operations. Trinitarian war explains how change and uncertainty affect the emerging requirements of war, and how military commanders address those requirements. Exploring the relationship between special operations and those requirements filled by conventional forces offers a deeper understanding of both.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 04, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA600656
Entities
People
- Mason Dula
Organizations
- Marine Corps University