Posted on 08/18/2005 6:06:22 PM PDT by Yasotay
I am a military history major graduate from the United States Military Academy. The intent of this post is to take another brief look at the current conduct of war, in August 2005, by using the “Principles of War”. I am not on active duty, nor do I have access to any classified information pertaining to this war. Violating some principles of war does not mean we will lose this war, but these violations are NOT helping America win this war.
The first principle discussed is “Offensive. The United States has been on the defensive for over two years. It is time to go back on the Offensive. We need to overthrow the government of the second ‘Axis of Evil’, Iran. If needed, we also need to overthrow the Syrian government. President Bush in a speech at Fort Bragg stated that we need to stay on the offense. I say we need to go back on the offensive.
The next Principle of War that I will now discuss is “Unity of Command”. This principle was being violated for the first 2 years of the War on Terror. I am sure having the Commander of CENTCOM being bypassed and using SOCOM, created many problems. Bremer and the CPA is another example. At least those two problems have been fixed.
The third Principle of War to be looked at is “Objective”. Every military operation should have a clearly defined, decisive and attainable objective. The ultimate military objective of war is the defeat of the enemy’s armed forces. I no longer believe that this is a War on Terror. This is the first war fought over the control, ownership and use of nuclear weapons. The primary threat to the US is a nuclear attack. We have already been attacked with biological agents. While it took the US only 3 ½ years to develop nuclear weapons, Iran and terrorists have been trying to buy, steal or develop nuclear weapons for over twenty years. We must expect that they will (or have) seceded. Therefore, one of our primary objectives has to be the continued denial or destruction of our enemies’ nuclear weapons.
The fourth is “Mass”. The main effort is where your combat power is concentrated at the critical point and time to achieve decisive results. I hope this becomes Iran.
The fifth is “Economy of Force”. Afghanistan has been a great EoF mission. There may not be a better example in all of history. I hope that Iraq also becomes an EOF mission rather then the ‘Main Effort’.
The sixth is “Simplicity”. With everyone saying that this is going to be a long and complex campaign, I wonder what has happened to the basic principle of “KISS”.
Number seven is “Surprise”. While the terrorists used strategic surprise on September 11th, the enemy has appeared to have gone into extended hiding. When they stand and confront us, they die. They clearly will continue to be able to gain tactical surprise. While US forces never had strategic surprise, we have always been blessed with being able to gain operational or tactical surprise. I hope we continue to do well in that arena. The first use of nuclear weapons clearly will be a surprise. I hope we are ready.
Eight is “Security”. It appears that our combat forces are continuing to take enough measures to protect our combat power from observation, sabotage, annoyance, surprise, the press and hopefully espionage. I do not want to write anything else that may compromise that principle.
Last, but not least is “Maneuver”. I would think battalion and brigade heavy task force(s) with special forces (not UofAs) based in Iraq and Afghanistan could support operations inside of Iran. Tom Clancy may have to write a new novel.
In conclusion, I hope that I am wrong in my observations about the principles of war that were being violated. Something that Americans have always been better at then any of our enemies is learning from our errors, correcting our mistakes and driving on to victory. Let hope THAT history repeats itself.
Israel is already a Pariah in the UN and is surrounded by enemies. If the Izzie Chief of Staff says two nukes would wipe out Israel in the open press then who is going to condemn Iran for nuking them? The same ninnies that are negotiating or the UN who passes an anti-zion resolution every other day?
The opinion of the world didn't stop Hitler from killing Jews, the repercussions of an Iraeli airstrike against Iran won't stop the Israeli's from dropping the bombs. they know even the US can't protect them from this threat, we have no political or popular will to do so.
When I was at Dahlonega, we actually had fights over the candy bars and the RIs thought that was funny ..... it was Jan/Feb when I went and everyone got frost bite. We had two guys lose toes .... anyone that admitted to frost bite was "Recycled". Yes on the TVD it was below zero and the wind chill was .... VERY cold.
How very true. That is the only reason they supported ww2.
Overthrow the government .... like we did in the 1950s .... support it this time .... and don't stab it in the back ... AKA Carterizing it.
I sailed a sailboat back from England in 1977, it was interesting to watch adults negotiate trades of parts of candy bars for parts of a coke for over an hour.
I wouldn't be surprised if several attempts haven't already failed .... but as I said in my last point .... we have the best learning curve on the planet.
Whats wrong with the government doing it on cable or direct TV. Once they do it and people realize they are telling the truth, then the news media have no choice but to follow. Have a government channel just like C-Span. If it is interesting, people will watch it.
Maybe VOice of America for our own citizens? What is this world coming to...
It's clear to me that you don't know what war is.
Nope. 9-11-01. The bulk of people who actually think instead of spew their ideology like Cindy Sheehan, understand this war. Most people did NOT understand Vietnam because it did not seem anything to do with the USA. I will give you example why the "Anti-War" left is not going to win. The most popular morning radio station in Minneapolis MN (heart of American Socialism) has been just smashing Cindy Sheehan. The working class heart of the Democrat Party has no stomach for the Hate filled bigots at Moveon and their antics. Without their willing participation all Cindy and Moveon are is a bunch of noise that the Dinosaur media can hyperventilate about. They are NOT effective propagandists at all. Too hate filled.
What makes it clear to you?
The article.
Well said.
Well said.
SUN TZU-THE ART OF WAR. He thought the highest military art was the ability to defeat your enemies without giving battle. Very good Lachlan.
Why?
Yes. I dream that someone can find a way to reduce the Middle East to the same level of political relevance to the USA as Africa.
What about Suadia Arabia and the rest of the Gulf States that support and harbor terrorists? Where do you think Al Queda is getting most of its financing not to mention willing volunteers?
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