An Overview of Military Science

Introduction Military science is the study of military processes, institutions, and behaviour, along with the study of warfare, and the theory and application of organised coercive force. It is mainly focused on theory, method, and practice of producing military capability in a manner consistent with national defence policy. Military science serves to identify the strategic,… Read More

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What is Truppenfuhrung?

Introduction Truppenführung (“Handling of Combined-Arms Formations”) was a German Army field manual published in 2 parts as Heeresdruckvorschrift 300: Part 1, promulgated in 1933, and Part 2 in 1934. The original German text, which is notable for its clarity, was prepared by a group led by Colonel General Ludwig Beck (1880-1944) who was later executed… Read More

What is Mission Command?

Introduction Mission command, also referred to as mission-type tactics, is a style of military command, derived from the Prussian-pioneered mission-type tactics doctrine, which combines centralised intent with decentralised execution subsidiarity and promotes freedom and speed of action, and initiative, within defined constraints (also refer to military strategy and military tactics). Subordinates, understanding the commander’s intentions,… Read More

What are Effects-Based Operations?

Introduction Effects-based operations (EBO) is a United States military concept that emerged during the Persian Gulf War for the planning and conduct of operations combining military and non-military methods to achieve a particular effect. An effects-based approach to operations was first applied in modern times in the design and execution of the Desert Storm air… Read More

What is the Economy of Force?

Introduction Economy of force is one of the nine Principles of War, based upon Carl von Clausewitz‘s approach to warfare. It is the principle of employing all available combat power in the most effective way possible, in an attempt to allocate a minimum of essential combat power to any secondary efforts. It is the judicious… Read More

What is the Operational Level of War?

Introduction In the field of military theory, the operational level of war (also called operational art, as derived from Russian: оперативное искусство, or operational warfare) represents the level of command that connects the details of tactics with the goals of strategy. In Joint US military doctrine, operational art is “the cognitive approach by commanders and… Read More

What is Military Doctrine?

Introduction Military doctrine is the expression of how military forces contribute to campaigns, major operations, battles, and engagements. It is a guide to action, rather than being hard and fast rules. Doctrine provides a common frame of reference across the military. It helps standardise operations, facilitating readiness by establishing common ways of accomplishing military tasks.… Read More