Military Theory and Strategy (cont)AgendaForms of ManeuverSlide 4EnvelopmentSlide 6Turning MovementSlide 8InfiltrationSlide 10PenetrationSlide 12Frontal AttackFrontal attackLevels of WarSlide 16Example: The Allies’ Strategic Objective for Europe in World War IISlide 18Example: Eisenhower’s Operational Objective at NormandySlide 20Example: Tactical Objectives of the Airborne Forces on D-DayStrategyTraditional Military StrategiesOperationsElements of Operational DesignSlide 26Elements of Operational Design (cont)Slide 28Slide 29Slide 30Slide 31Slide 32Slide 33Slide 34Basic Army ElementsNextMilitary Theory and Strategy (cont)Lsn 3Agenda•Forms of Maneuver•Levels of War•Elements of Operational Design•Basic Army ElementsForms of ManeuverForms of Maneuver•The five forms of maneuver are the –envelopment, –turning movement, –infiltration, –penetration, and –frontal attack.EnvelopmentEnvelopment•The envelopment is a form of maneuver in which an attacking force seeks to avoid the principal enemy defenses by seizing objectives to the enemy rear to destroy the enemy in his current positions. •Envelopments avoid the enemy front, where he is protected and can easily concentrate fires. •Single envelopments maneuver against one enemy flank; double envelopments maneuver against both. Either variant can develop into an encirclement.•Example: The Germans conducted a double envelopment of the Russians in the World War I battle of Tannenberg.Turning MovementTurning Movement•A turning movement is a form of maneuver in which the attacking force seeks to avoid the enemy's principal defensive positions by seizing objectives to the enemy rear and causing the enemy to move out of his current positions or divert major forces to meet the threat.•A major threat to his rear forces the enemy to attack or withdraw rearward, thus "turning" him out of his defensive positions. •Turning movements typically require greater depth than other forms of maneuver. •Example: The Inchon landing in the Korean WarInfiltrationInfiltration•An infiltration is a form of maneuver in which an attacking force conducts undetected movement through or into an area occupied by enemy forces to occupy a position of advantage in the enemy rear while exposing only small elements to enemy defensive fires –Typically, forces infiltrate in small groups and reassemble to continue their mission.–Infiltration rarely defeats a defense by itself. Commanders direct infiltrations to attack lightly defended positions or stronger positions from the flank and rear, to secure key terrain to support the decisive operation, or to disrupt enemy sustaining operations. –Example: Hutier tactics in World War IPenetrationPenetration•A penetration is a form of maneuver in which an attacking force seeks to rupture enemy defenses on a narrow front to disrupt the defensive system.–Commanders direct penetrations when enemy flanks are not assailable or time does not permit another form of maneuver. Successful penetrations create assailable flanks and provide access to enemy rear areas. –Because penetrations frequently are directed into the front of the enemy defense, they risk significantly more friendly casualties than envelopments, turning movements, and infiltrations.–Example: Sherman’s Meridian Campaign and his March to the SeaFrontal AttackFrontal attack•The frontal attack is frequently the most costly form of maneuver, since it exposes the majority of the attackers to the concentrated fires of the defenders. –As the most direct form of maneuver, however, the frontal attack is useful for overwhelming light defenses, covering forces, or disorganized enemy resistance. –It is often the best form of maneuver for hasty attacks and meeting engagements, where speed and simplicity are essential to maintain tempo and the initiative. –Commanders may direct a frontal attack as a shaping operation and another form of maneuver as the decisive operation. –Example: The Charge of the Light Brigade in the Crimean WarLevels of War•Strategic•Operational•TacticalLevels of War•Strategic–Level at which a nation, often as a member of a group of nations, determines national or multinational strategic security objectives and guidance, and develops and uses national resources to accomplish these objectivesExample: The Allies’ Strategic Objective for Europe in World War II•Combined Chiefs directed Eisenhower to “enter the continent of Europe and, in conjunction with other Allied nations, undertake operations aimed at the heart of Germany and the destruction of her armed forces”Levels of War•Operational–Level at which campaigns and major operations are conducted and sustained to accomplish strategic objectives within theaters or areas of operation–Link tactics and strategyExample: Eisenhower’s Operational Objective at Normandy•Secure a foothold on the continent of Europe from which to support offensive operations against GermanyLevels of War•Tactical–Level at which battles and engagements are planned and executed to accomplish military objectives assigned to tactical units or task forcesExample: Tactical Objectives of the Airborne Forces on D-Day•Secure exits from the beaches to allow the amphibious forces to move inland•Block German counterattack routes to protect amphibious forcesStrategy•Strategy is the pursuit, protection, or advancement of national interests through the application of the instruments of power•Instruments of power (DIME)–Diplomatic–Informational–Military–EconomicTraditional Military Strategies•Attrition–The reduction of the effectiveness of a force caused by loss of personnel and materiel •Exhaustion–The gradual erosion of a nation’s will or means to resist•Annihilation–Seeks the immediate destruction of the combat power of the enemy’s armed forcesOperations•Campaigns are the operational extension of the commander’s strategy•They are a series of related military operations aimed at accomplishing a strategic or operational objective within a given time and space•Campaigns should be planned to adhere to the “elements of operational design”Elements of Operational DesignElements of Operational Design•Synergy•Simultaneity and depth•Anticipation•Balance•Leverage•Timing and tempo•Operational reach and approachElements of Operational Design (cont)•Forces and functions•Arranging operations•Centers of gravity•Direct