Evolution of Warfare Warfighting MCDP-1

Learning Objectives Be familiar with the concepts of Friction Uncertainty Fluidity The Human Dimension Understand the spectrum of conflict and levels of war Understand the difference between maneuver and attrition warfare Understand critical vulnerability vs. center of gravity Understand the concept of exploitation

Readings Warfighting, MCDP-1

Warfighting “Very simply, this publication describes the philosophy which distinguishes the U.S. Marine Corps. The thoughts contained here are not merely guidance for action in combat but a way of thinking. This publication provides the authoritative basis for how we fight and how we prepare to fight. This book contains no specific techniques or procedures for conduct. Rather, it provides broad guidance in the form of concepts and values. It requires judgment in application.” Gen A. M. Gray

Definition of War WHAT IS IT? “War is a violent clash of interests between or among organized groups characterized by the use of military force.” p. 3 The imposition of one will on another.

Friction “The force that makes the apparently easy so difficult.” Clausewitz The inherent difficulty encountered by two sides who have differing aims. indecision obstacles weather/terrain lack of defined goal Can’t eliminate it; we must learn to deal with and overcome it. Human will.

Uncertanity “Fog of War” Unknowns about: Unpredictability & Judgment Enemy Environment Friendly Unpredictability & Judgment What is possible and what is not? What is probable and what is not? Enemy estimate! One of the main reasons we study military history. LEARN TO USE IT/MINIMIZE ITS IMPACT Simple plans w/ contingencies Foster initiative Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)

Fluidity Tempo of operations will fluctuate The constant flow of actions and counter-actions created by unique combination of circumstances Requires flexibility & adaptability on our part. Combat is characterized by brief periods of utter chaos followed by long stretches of complete boredom…

Disorder Friction, uncertainty, and fluidity create disorder CHAOS “@*!$” happens Chaos favors opportunistic will Influence the flow of action Do not try to control each event

Complexity Tempo often too fast for one central commander to control. Information overload… Even the most simple of plans has many, many moving parts (usually called Marines or Soldiers). We will not centralize decision making Call “higher” for permission or guidance when action must be taken It’s why we have “Commander’s Intent” Beirut & unloaded weapons

Human Dimension Encompasses all of the failings and achievements of man. Violence, Danger, Fear Physical and Moral forces Stamina Fires “Human will, instilled through leadership, is the driving force of all action in war.”

Human Dimension “Any doctrine which attempts to reduce warfare to ratios of forces, weapons, and equipment neglects the impact of the human will on the conduct of war and is therefore inherently flawed.” Robert McNamara

Evolution of Warfare Nature of war remains Technology Weapons Communications Tactics/Operations/Strategy

War as Policy Warfare will reflect (“serve”) policy Two approaches Extreme Policy Motive: Wars tendency toward destruction will be less hindered by political restrictions. (Japan & the “Big One”) Limited Policy Motive: Political considerations will restrict force application. (Beirut) Two approaches strategy of annihilation WWII strategy of erosion Iraq

Spectrum of Conflict HIGH MEDIUM LOW MOOTW The “Three Block War”

Levels of War Strategic Operational Tactical National strategy Military strategy Operational Tactical

Initiative vs. Response Initiative is not the same as OFFENSE Taking the initiative may mean digging in. Response is not the same as DEFENSE Your response to an act may be to attack. Which of the two concepts is stronger?

Offense vs. Defense Offense = striking power Defense = resisting power Components of one another Culminating Point – point where the offense “runs out of gas” and we assume a defensive posture.

Styles of Warfare MANEUVER ATTRITION Blitzkrieg Inchon WW I Maginot Line USSR

Combat Power Total force that can be brought to bear. Tangibles and intangibles

Speed and Focus Speed is rapidity of action. Tempo is speed averaged over time Only RELATIVE speed matters Focus is the convergence of effects in time and space on an objective. Can achieve decisive local superiority for a numerically inferior force Involves risk Focus by all elements on the OBJECTIVE

Surprise and Boldness Surprise (disorientation) Boldness Enemy awareness comes too late Adds to Combat Power because of psych effect It’s not what we do; it’s enemy’s reaction to what we do Boldness Unhesitating exploitation Must not be reckless use of assets

Center of Gravity The whole enchilada, the big deal, the heart. An enemy’s source of strength. Which factors are critical to the enemy? Which can the enemy not do without? Which, if eliminated,will bend him most quickly to our will?

Critical Vunerability An enemy source of weakness. A pathway to attacking a “Center of Gravity.” …we should focus our efforts against a critical vulnerability, a vulnerability that, if exploited,will do the most significant damage to the enemy’s ability to resist us.

Exploitation Taking advantage of any given situation, or better yet, taking advantage of the situation which YOU created.

Review What is war? Concepts: Spectrum of conflict and levels of war Friction Uncertainty Fluidity Human Dimension Spectrum of conflict and levels of war Maneuver vs attrition Critical vulnerability vs. center of gravity