The Supreme Allied Commander's Operational Approach
Abstract
Since the end of WWII, many historians have criticized General Eisenhower's broad front strategy. These critics have argued that General Eisenhower's employment of what we now call operational art demonstrated a lack of decisiveness and operational boldness, thereby unnecessarily prolonging the war. To highlight the errors in his broad front strategy, some critics have misrepresented General Eisenhower's operational leadership by presenting historical situations out of context or portraying his caution as timidity. However, a critical review of General Eisenhower's actions during the campaigns on the Western Front reveals a more compelling story. Thus, upon closer examination, General Eisenhower's broad front strategy or what this monograph describes as his operational approach provides substantial evidence to silence his critics. This study seeks to prove that General Eisenhower successfully employed Allied forces using operational art in the manner most effective and most appropriate to the situation the Allies faced on the Western Front in the final campaigns to defeat Germany.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 22, 2014
- Accession Number
- ADA612011
Entities
People
- Timothy B. Lynch
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College