TOA Theorist Briefing: USMC Warfighting Jeri Dible, USAID, Seminar 6 August 10, 2015

Agenda Overview Historical context Content of Warfighting Warfighting impact Sources

Overview Foundational document that communicates the philosophy of the Marine Corps. First published by the USMC in 1989. Drafted by Captain John Schmitt, under the direction of USMC Commandant General Alfred M. Gray. Theory of maneuver warfare is the basis. Maneuver warfare: Provide means to defeat a physically superior foe by rendering the enemy incapable of resisting by shattering his moral and physical cohesion.

Historical context Defeat of the United States military in Vietnam was catalyst for Warfighting and the adoption of this new theory of war. Heavily influenced by the work of US Air Force Colonel John Boyd. Warfighting also influenced by Carl von Clausewitz and Sun Tzu. Complexity and systems theory Boyd theory of decision cycle OODA loop (observe, orient, decide, and act) Complexity theory---idea that strategies can be designed to take advantage of the opportunities provided by complexity

Content of Warfighting Chapter One: The Nature of War Attempts to establish a common view of war as a base for understanding the nature of war. War defined in Clausewitz’s term (Zweikampf)—a clash between two opposing wills. Outlines and defines key elements of war including friction, uncertainty, fluidity, disorder, complexity, and danger.

Content of Warfighting Chapter Two: The Theory of War War is an act of policy.—Clausewitz Levels of war defined as tactical, operational and strategic. War activities take place at all levels simultaneously. Warfighting defines initiative as the preferred form of action, stating that “only through the initiative can we ultimately impose our will on the enemy.” Center of gravity and critical vulnerability.

Content of Warfighting Chapter Three: Preparing for War Combat readiness Deployability Ability to task-organize according to specific situations. Outlines expected professional competence, training, professional military education, personnel management, and equipment needs.

Content of Warfighting Chapter Four: The Conduct of War USMC must function in an uncertain, chaotic, and fluid environment. Maneuver warfare: “a warfighting philosophy that seeks to shatter the enemy’s cohesion through a variety of rapid, focused, and unexpected actions which create a turbulent and rapidly deteriorating situation with which the enemy cannot cope.” Speed, focus of efforts and surprise are important components of maneuver warfare. The functionality of the enemy system must be understood so that critical vulnerabilities of the system can be penetrated and destroyed. (Boyd theory)

Content of Warfighting Decentralized command and control support system. Warfighting also establishes forward command as a key element of the command philosophy. Decision making is essential. If we postpone making a decision, that is a decision. “Any decision is generally better than no decision.”

Impact of Warfighting Changed the way Marines think about warfare. Prior to the publication of Warfighting, the Marine Corps Doctrine was not based on an articulated theory. Impacted doctrine across the military and was adopted by foreign militaries. Used today in management training in the private sector and across government agencies.

Bibliography Kinross, Stuart. Clausewitz and America: Strategic Thought and Practice from Vietnam to Iraq. Routledge, 2009. Lauer, G.S. “Maneuver Warfare Theory and the Operational Level of War: Misguiding the Marine Corps.” Monograph, US Army Command and General Staff College, 1991. Polk, Robert B. “A Critique of the Boyd Theory—Is it relevant to the Army?” , Monograph, US Army Command and General Staff College, 1999. United States Marine Corps (MCDP) 1, Warfighting, Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 2007. United States Marine Corps, Warfighting B130876, Student Handout, The Basic School, Marine Corps Training Command, Camp Barrett, Virginia, 2014.

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