Military Gamble or Strategical/Tactical Boldness

“It is my experience that bold decisions give the best promise of success. But one must differentiate between strategical or tactical boldness and a military gamble. A bold operation is one in which success is not a certainty but which in case of failure leaves one with sufficient forces in hand to cope with whatever… Read More

Exploiting Success: Time to Relax?

“One thing particularly evident had been the tendency of certain commanders to permit themselves unnecessary delays for refuelling and restocking with ammunition, or for a leisurely overhaul of their vehicles, even when an immediate attack offered prospects of success. The sole criterion for a commander in carrying out a given operation must be the time… Read More

Special Forces: The Synergy of Physical Might & Technology

“Unlike conventional field battles, where tactics are more flexible and largely dictated by the terrain and the enemy’s deployment, special forces anti-terrorist assaults are a combination of physical might and technology working in a swift syncopation, pre-planned and finely choreographed. Once initiated, they move relentlessly into the heart of the problem with precision timing, not… Read More

Evaluating the German 1918 Offensives & The Operational Art of War

Research Paper Title Operational Art and the German 1918 Offensives. Abstract At the tactical level of war the Germans are widely regarded as having had the most innovative and proficient army of World War I. Likewise, many historians would agree that the Germans suffered from serious, if not fatal, shortcomings at the strategic level of war. It… Read More

Developing Situational Awareness through Game-Based Instructional Packages

Research Paper Title Urbanism: A Game-Based Instructional Package for Conducting Counterinsurgency Operations. Abstract Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom have identified the need for instructional and training solutions that develop the skills of Battalion and Brigade Commanders in formulating situational understanding in order to successfully lead operations in a counterinsurgency environment. In this paper the researchers describe the UrbanSim Learning… Read More

New Page Uploaded: No Plan Survives Contact with the Enemy

I have just uploaded a new webpage ‘No Plan Survives Contact with the Enemy‘. A pithy statement I first came into contact with during service with the British Army. It has roots that can be viewed from 2,500 years ago (with a bit of imagination). Presented as an insight article rather as an in-depth piece,… Read More

Cognitive Work Analysis: Human Factors & Military Doctrine

Research Paper Title Cognitive Work Analysis Beyond Human Factors and Engineering: Application to Military Doctrine and Strategy Development. Abstract This paper extends the application of cognitive work analysis (CWA) beyond the fields of human factors and engineering by demonstrating its use for military doctrine and strategy development. A case study is presented that shows how… Read More