... The training at Hohenfels eventually came to an end with the pla-toons and companies learning... more ... The training at Hohenfels eventually came to an end with the pla-toons and companies learning a great deal about the war they would ... by the world into which they graduated, and often unaware of what the changes would mean to them personally, Greg and Caleb had been ...
The recently published National Military Strategic Plan for the War on Terrorism (NMSP-WOT) is to... more The recently published National Military Strategic Plan for the War on Terrorism (NMSP-WOT) is to be commended for identifying "ideology" as al Qaeda's center of gravity. (1) The identification of an ideology as the center of gravity rather than an individual or group is a significant shift from a "capture and kill" philosophy to a strategy focused on defeating the root cause of Islamic terrorism. Accordingly, the plan's principal focus is on attacking and countering an ideology that fuels Islamic terrorism. Unfortunately, the NMSP-WOT fails to identify the ideology or suggest ways to counter it. The plan merely describes the ideology as "extremist." This description contributes little to the public's understanding of the threat or to the capabilities of the strategist who ultimately must attack and defeat it. The intent of this article is to identify the ideology of the Islamic terrorists and recommend how to successfully counter it. Sun Tz...
Today joint warfighting is a widely accepted principle that unifies military service capabilities... more Today joint warfighting is a widely accepted principle that unifies military service capabilities into a synergistic whole, a whole, which in theory is greater than the sum of its parts. For over thirty years, it has been the operating norm for the world’s modern militaries. Because of this, an entire generation of military professionals cannot imagine fighting any other way. They take its acceptance for granted. For this generation to truly appreciate the value of ‘jointness’ it is useful to reevaluate older conflicts through the lens of modern joint warfare.
... those of September 11, 2001, or smaller attacks such as beheadings in Riyadh or bombings ... ... more ... those of September 11, 2001, or smaller attacks such as beheadings in Riyadh or bombings ... establish an effective television network in Iraq ceded valuable momentum to Al-'Alam and Al ... 25, 1951; Michael Doran, "Somebody Else's Civil War, Foreign Affairs, Jan/Feb 2002, p. 22 ...
: This monograph is a case study examining the substitution of the Cold War strategy of large for... more : This monograph is a case study examining the substitution of the Cold War strategy of large forward deployed military forces and nuclear deterrence for the Post Cold War strategy of global engagement and leadership and the implications of that substitution on the attainment of U.S. security objectives. Post Cold War realities and domestic political pressures forced the United States to reduce the size of American forward deployed military forces and to remove them as a cornerstone of the security strategy. To fill the gap thus created the Clinton administration embraced a new security strategy that substituted active leadership and engagement for large forward deployed military forces. Whether engagement and active leadership can be as effective in preserving and advancing U.S. interests as large forward deployed forces is yet to be determined. However, the circumstances surrounding territorial and resource claims in the South China Sea and the actions the United States and those ...
... strategic decisions and how something as seemingly inconsequential as a Department of Defense... more ... strategic decisions and how something as seemingly inconsequential as a Department of Defense school for military and international children played a ... Although Winkler's book is not a detailed history of US policy in the Persian Gulf, it adds breadth and perspective to any ...
: This paper examines the question whether systems theory, and the concepts of systems-shock and ... more : This paper examines the question whether systems theory, and the concepts of systems-shock and the center of gravity are compatible and have any utility in military planning. Currently there is a debate between systems theory proponents who argue that Clausewitz's center of gravity is obsolete and no longer has any utility in modem warfare. Others argue that not only is the concept of center of gravity still valid, it is the essence of military planning that focuses military effort. The evidence clearly shows that if the current systems-based concept of center of gravity, as defined in joint doctrine, is used, the concepts are compatible. However, if the definition is the traditional Clausewitzian concept, they are not compatible. The historical examples of the Battle of France, Operation Just Cause, and Operation Desert Storm demonstrate this. Systems theory, systems-shock and the center of gravity are not only compatible; they need each other to be of utility. Planners need ...
... Related Topics. Terrorism. Middle East Quarterly. Iraq Weathers the Political Storm by Sterli... more ... Related Topics. Terrorism. Middle East Quarterly. Iraq Weathers the Political Storm by Sterling Jensen; The View from Syria and Lebanon by Hilal Khashan. Get Involved with the MEF. ...
LARGELY DUE TO its enigmatic nature, the center of gravity (COG) determination process has always... more LARGELY DUE TO its enigmatic nature, the center of gravity (COG) determination process has always been considered more of an art than a science. But even art has rules and structures that can turn chaotic sounds into language and language into poetry. Currently, the COG determination process described in joint doctrine lacks the clear rules and structure that might rationalize, discipline, and therefore improve campaign planning. Joint doctrine only describes the COG construct and its utility to military planning. This is unfortunate because the value of this conceptual tool cannot be overstated. Joint Pub 5-0, Joint Operational Planning, clearly states the critical role of COG analysis: "One of the most important tasks confronting the JFC's [joint force commander's] staff in the operational design process is the identification of friendly and adversary COGs." (1) It is the "most important task" because "a faulty conclusion resulting from a poor or h...
MILITARY STUDENTS defining the concept of the center of gravity (COG) are like blind men describi... more MILITARY STUDENTS defining the concept of the center of gravity (COG) are like blind men describing an elephant. They know a definition exists, but they describe it according to their own experiences, and invariably someone will define COG as "the will of the people." The center of gravity is too important a concept to guess at. Joint Publication (JP) 5-0 (Draft 2), Doctrine for Joint Planning Operations, clearly states the critical role of COG analysis: "The most important task confronting campaign planners in this process is being able to identify friendly and adversary strategic centers of gravity; that is, the sources of strength, power, and resistance."1 The reason identifying centers of gravity is the most important task is because a "faulty analysis of friendly or adversary centers of gravity can have very serious consequences; specifically, the inability to accomplish the military objectives at an acceptable cost and the unconscionable expenditure of...
... The training at Hohenfels eventually came to an end with the pla-toons and companies learning... more ... The training at Hohenfels eventually came to an end with the pla-toons and companies learning a great deal about the war they would ... by the world into which they graduated, and often unaware of what the changes would mean to them personally, Greg and Caleb had been ...
... Related Topics. Terrorism. Middle East Quarterly. Iraq Weathers the Political Storm by Sterli... more ... Related Topics. Terrorism. Middle East Quarterly. Iraq Weathers the Political Storm by Sterling Jensen; The View from Syria and Lebanon by Hilal Khashan. Get Involved with the MEF. ...
... strategic decisions and how something as seemingly inconsequential as a Department of Defense... more ... strategic decisions and how something as seemingly inconsequential as a Department of Defense school for military and international children played a ... Although Winkler's book is not a detailed history of US policy in the Persian Gulf, it adds breadth and perspective to any ...
... those of September 11, 2001, or smaller attacks such as beheadings in Riyadh or bombings ... ... more ... those of September 11, 2001, or smaller attacks such as beheadings in Riyadh or bombings ... establish an effective television network in Iraq ceded valuable momentum to Al-'Alam and Al ... 25, 1951; Michael Doran, "Somebody Else's Civil War, Foreign Affairs, Jan/Feb 2002, p. 22 ...
... The training at Hohenfels eventually came to an end with the pla-toons and companies learning... more ... The training at Hohenfels eventually came to an end with the pla-toons and companies learning a great deal about the war they would ... by the world into which they graduated, and often unaware of what the changes would mean to them personally, Greg and Caleb had been ...
The recently published National Military Strategic Plan for the War on Terrorism (NMSP-WOT) is to... more The recently published National Military Strategic Plan for the War on Terrorism (NMSP-WOT) is to be commended for identifying "ideology" as al Qaeda's center of gravity. (1) The identification of an ideology as the center of gravity rather than an individual or group is a significant shift from a "capture and kill" philosophy to a strategy focused on defeating the root cause of Islamic terrorism. Accordingly, the plan's principal focus is on attacking and countering an ideology that fuels Islamic terrorism. Unfortunately, the NMSP-WOT fails to identify the ideology or suggest ways to counter it. The plan merely describes the ideology as "extremist." This description contributes little to the public's understanding of the threat or to the capabilities of the strategist who ultimately must attack and defeat it. The intent of this article is to identify the ideology of the Islamic terrorists and recommend how to successfully counter it. Sun Tz...
Today joint warfighting is a widely accepted principle that unifies military service capabilities... more Today joint warfighting is a widely accepted principle that unifies military service capabilities into a synergistic whole, a whole, which in theory is greater than the sum of its parts. For over thirty years, it has been the operating norm for the world’s modern militaries. Because of this, an entire generation of military professionals cannot imagine fighting any other way. They take its acceptance for granted. For this generation to truly appreciate the value of ‘jointness’ it is useful to reevaluate older conflicts through the lens of modern joint warfare.
... those of September 11, 2001, or smaller attacks such as beheadings in Riyadh or bombings ... ... more ... those of September 11, 2001, or smaller attacks such as beheadings in Riyadh or bombings ... establish an effective television network in Iraq ceded valuable momentum to Al-'Alam and Al ... 25, 1951; Michael Doran, "Somebody Else's Civil War, Foreign Affairs, Jan/Feb 2002, p. 22 ...
: This monograph is a case study examining the substitution of the Cold War strategy of large for... more : This monograph is a case study examining the substitution of the Cold War strategy of large forward deployed military forces and nuclear deterrence for the Post Cold War strategy of global engagement and leadership and the implications of that substitution on the attainment of U.S. security objectives. Post Cold War realities and domestic political pressures forced the United States to reduce the size of American forward deployed military forces and to remove them as a cornerstone of the security strategy. To fill the gap thus created the Clinton administration embraced a new security strategy that substituted active leadership and engagement for large forward deployed military forces. Whether engagement and active leadership can be as effective in preserving and advancing U.S. interests as large forward deployed forces is yet to be determined. However, the circumstances surrounding territorial and resource claims in the South China Sea and the actions the United States and those ...
... strategic decisions and how something as seemingly inconsequential as a Department of Defense... more ... strategic decisions and how something as seemingly inconsequential as a Department of Defense school for military and international children played a ... Although Winkler's book is not a detailed history of US policy in the Persian Gulf, it adds breadth and perspective to any ...
: This paper examines the question whether systems theory, and the concepts of systems-shock and ... more : This paper examines the question whether systems theory, and the concepts of systems-shock and the center of gravity are compatible and have any utility in military planning. Currently there is a debate between systems theory proponents who argue that Clausewitz's center of gravity is obsolete and no longer has any utility in modem warfare. Others argue that not only is the concept of center of gravity still valid, it is the essence of military planning that focuses military effort. The evidence clearly shows that if the current systems-based concept of center of gravity, as defined in joint doctrine, is used, the concepts are compatible. However, if the definition is the traditional Clausewitzian concept, they are not compatible. The historical examples of the Battle of France, Operation Just Cause, and Operation Desert Storm demonstrate this. Systems theory, systems-shock and the center of gravity are not only compatible; they need each other to be of utility. Planners need ...
... Related Topics. Terrorism. Middle East Quarterly. Iraq Weathers the Political Storm by Sterli... more ... Related Topics. Terrorism. Middle East Quarterly. Iraq Weathers the Political Storm by Sterling Jensen; The View from Syria and Lebanon by Hilal Khashan. Get Involved with the MEF. ...
LARGELY DUE TO its enigmatic nature, the center of gravity (COG) determination process has always... more LARGELY DUE TO its enigmatic nature, the center of gravity (COG) determination process has always been considered more of an art than a science. But even art has rules and structures that can turn chaotic sounds into language and language into poetry. Currently, the COG determination process described in joint doctrine lacks the clear rules and structure that might rationalize, discipline, and therefore improve campaign planning. Joint doctrine only describes the COG construct and its utility to military planning. This is unfortunate because the value of this conceptual tool cannot be overstated. Joint Pub 5-0, Joint Operational Planning, clearly states the critical role of COG analysis: "One of the most important tasks confronting the JFC's [joint force commander's] staff in the operational design process is the identification of friendly and adversary COGs." (1) It is the "most important task" because "a faulty conclusion resulting from a poor or h...
MILITARY STUDENTS defining the concept of the center of gravity (COG) are like blind men describi... more MILITARY STUDENTS defining the concept of the center of gravity (COG) are like blind men describing an elephant. They know a definition exists, but they describe it according to their own experiences, and invariably someone will define COG as "the will of the people." The center of gravity is too important a concept to guess at. Joint Publication (JP) 5-0 (Draft 2), Doctrine for Joint Planning Operations, clearly states the critical role of COG analysis: "The most important task confronting campaign planners in this process is being able to identify friendly and adversary strategic centers of gravity; that is, the sources of strength, power, and resistance."1 The reason identifying centers of gravity is the most important task is because a "faulty analysis of friendly or adversary centers of gravity can have very serious consequences; specifically, the inability to accomplish the military objectives at an acceptable cost and the unconscionable expenditure of...
... The training at Hohenfels eventually came to an end with the pla-toons and companies learning... more ... The training at Hohenfels eventually came to an end with the pla-toons and companies learning a great deal about the war they would ... by the world into which they graduated, and often unaware of what the changes would mean to them personally, Greg and Caleb had been ...
... Related Topics. Terrorism. Middle East Quarterly. Iraq Weathers the Political Storm by Sterli... more ... Related Topics. Terrorism. Middle East Quarterly. Iraq Weathers the Political Storm by Sterling Jensen; The View from Syria and Lebanon by Hilal Khashan. Get Involved with the MEF. ...
... strategic decisions and how something as seemingly inconsequential as a Department of Defense... more ... strategic decisions and how something as seemingly inconsequential as a Department of Defense school for military and international children played a ... Although Winkler's book is not a detailed history of US policy in the Persian Gulf, it adds breadth and perspective to any ...
... those of September 11, 2001, or smaller attacks such as beheadings in Riyadh or bombings ... ... more ... those of September 11, 2001, or smaller attacks such as beheadings in Riyadh or bombings ... establish an effective television network in Iraq ceded valuable momentum to Al-'Alam and Al ... 25, 1951; Michael Doran, "Somebody Else's Civil War, Foreign Affairs, Jan/Feb 2002, p. 22 ...
Carl von Clausewitz's 'On War' may look more impressive on our bookshelves, but Christopher Coker... more Carl von Clausewitz's 'On War' may look more impressive on our bookshelves, but Christopher Coker's, Rebooting Clausewitz 'On War in the 21st Century will be more useful. Book review from Parameters 47 Winter 2017-2018.
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Papers by Dale Eikmeier
Rebooting Clausewitz 'On War in the 21st Century will be more useful. Book review from Parameters 47 Winter 2017-2018.