Foundations of Strategy Exam Second Attempt by Lt Col Casey N Pombert
War can be documented back to the earliest known records of civilizations. The ways that war is fought has changed since that time and several military strategists have put forth theories and concepts to influence the development of the tactics used as well as the operational and strategic policies employed. Karl von Clausewitz and Antoine-Henri Jomini are two of history?s most well know military strategists. Clausewitz?s theories, concepts, and strategies have come to be known as Clausewitzian, while Jomini?s are known as Scientific. Clausewitzian and Scientific strategists have several differences in their concepts; however, there are also areas where the two strategists …show more content…
Some of these concepts and strategies overlap and some do not. Looking towards future conflicts, decisive points, offense, and logistical support should be included in successful strategies. It?s clear from the Tet Offensive that a decisive point doesn?t need to be a clear victory on the ground in order to be successful. Utilizing John Warden?s Five Ring model will aid forces in being able to systematically pinpoint where decisive points are located. The best way to attack these decisive points will require good strategic decision making. Some targets that may be decisive points may require dedicating too large a proportion of assets or too long a logistical support tail. This conundrum is where leadership will have to balance risk vs. reward.
While a strong defense is necessary, taking the fight to the enemy by utilizing a strong offense will continue to be the most advantageous strategy. The majority of attacks on the US in the past century have arguably been the equivalent of a sucker punch with Pearl Harbor and the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center the most notable. Would a strong defensive force have prevented these attacks? Arguably not. Offensive operations enable an aggressive force to call the shots, shape the conflict, and have proven successful, both for US forces and their
War can be documented back to the earliest known records of civilizations. The ways that war is fought has changed since that time and several military strategists have put forth theories and concepts to influence the development of the tactics used as well as the operational and strategic policies employed. Karl von Clausewitz and Antoine-Henri Jomini are two of history?s most well know military strategists. Clausewitz?s theories, concepts, and strategies have come to be known as Clausewitzian, while Jomini?s are known as Scientific. Clausewitzian and Scientific strategists have several differences in their concepts; however, there are also areas where the two strategists …show more content…
Some of these concepts and strategies overlap and some do not. Looking towards future conflicts, decisive points, offense, and logistical support should be included in successful strategies. It?s clear from the Tet Offensive that a decisive point doesn?t need to be a clear victory on the ground in order to be successful. Utilizing John Warden?s Five Ring model will aid forces in being able to systematically pinpoint where decisive points are located. The best way to attack these decisive points will require good strategic decision making. Some targets that may be decisive points may require dedicating too large a proportion of assets or too long a logistical support tail. This conundrum is where leadership will have to balance risk vs. reward.
While a strong defense is necessary, taking the fight to the enemy by utilizing a strong offense will continue to be the most advantageous strategy. The majority of attacks on the US in the past century have arguably been the equivalent of a sucker punch with Pearl Harbor and the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center the most notable. Would a strong defensive force have prevented these attacks? Arguably not. Offensive operations enable an aggressive force to call the shots, shape the conflict, and have proven successful, both for US forces and their