R. Cody Phillips Michael D. Krause and

Historical Perspectives

of the

Operational Art

Michael D. Krause and R. Cody Phillips

Center of Military History, United States Army

Historical Perspectives of the

Operational Art

Michael D. Krause and R. Cody Phillips General Editors

Center of Military History United States Army

Washington, D.C., 2005

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Historical perspectives of the operational art / Michael D. Krause and R. Cody Phillips, general editors. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references. 1. Operational art (Military science)--History. I. Krause, Michael D. (Michael Detlef), 1942? II. Phillips, R. Cody.

U163.H57 2005 355.4'09--dc22

2004057948

CMH Pub 70?89?1

Foreword

As we begin a new millennium and witness the rapid and complex changes happening around the world, the study of the operational art of war becomes even more critical. Today our Army is facing a multitude of challenges ranging from disaster relief and peacekeeping operations to open hostilities and war. To keep pace with both those demands and the growth of new technologies, we are currently transforming our service from a primarily heavy, forward-deployed force to a lighter, more agile, but also more deadly CONUS-based one. At the same time, the scope of our operations and our strategy is becoming increasingly influenced by our participation in international coalitions and alliances. The timehonored focus of operational art on the planning and execution of military campaigns has thus become even more diverse and complex, placing great demands on the military professional. Although operational art must be adjusted to accommodate these changing circumstances, it should not be done without some understanding--a frame of reference--of the history of the operational level of war so as to clarify the nature of the problems we can expect in the future.

Historical Perspectives of the Operational Art is an anthology of essays by historians and scholars who trace the origin and development of the operational level of warfare, the critical link between strategy and tactics. Col. Michael D. Krause, former deputy commander of the U.S. Army Center of Military History, made the initial selections for this anthology. As a student of the subject and instructor at the National War College, Colonel Krause was well qualified for the task. This volume may be regarded as a continuation of an earlier publication that he coedited on a similar subject, On Operational Art, which is a collection of pieces by senior military commanders and theorists dealing with the contemporary application of the operational art of war. For the soldier and student alike, Historical Perspectives of the Operational Art should stimulate thought and provide a deeper understanding of military history and its ability to shed light on the problems and challenges of the present.

Washington, D.C.

John S. Brown

17 May 2005

Brigadier General, USA (Ret.)

Chief of Military History

iii

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