Strategic Studies What were Clausewitz’s most important and/or enduring contributions to the theory of warfare? Clausewitz’s intended On War to be a practical military philosophy, for a commander, on ideas about strategy to help him understand war and to successfully achieve his purpose in war (Bassford, P11). Some of the theories and strategies he presented in On War are both important and enduring contributions to the theory of warfare and made him a leading figure in the pantheon of strategic thinkers. Clausewitz applied scientific methodology to analysing strategy in a systematic fashion as he believed that the purpose of theory is not to uncover fixed laws or principles, but rather to educate the mind. Of all the ideas and theories Clausewitz presented in On War, my belief is that the most important and enduring elements are his idea that war is an extension of policy, his analysis of strategy, the trinity theory and his explanation of the components of war including friction in war, the fog of war and his centre of gravity theory.
The paper claims that it should be used a platform for military leaders to discuss, understand, and thereby maintain the Profession of Arms. 2. Facts: a. Section one explains that the Army is and needs to continue to be a Profession of Arms to operate in the current era of persistent conflict. The Profession of Arms is a vocation, not an occupation.
They are also expected to be followed in a war-time, combat environment, however an additional meaning or expectation may be attached to certain values in combat. Also, the punishment for disobeying or not following one of the values is much greater, whether the punishment be through Uniformed Code of Military Justice, or in the form of how a Soldier is viewed by his or her superiors, during war time. Army values emphasize the relationship between character and competence. Although competence is a fundamental attribute of Army leaders, character is even more critical. This appendix discusses the actions Army leaders take to develop their subordinates' character.
Discussion. a. Thesis. Strategist must asks questions before they commence a war, or before they take actions which might lead to war, or before they undertake a wartime campaign, or before they end a war in which they are already engaged. b. Main Points.
The following essay will define the criteria for a profession and what it means to be a member of that profession. The white paper defines the profession of arms as a vocation made up of experts who are certified in ethical application of land combat power, entrusted to defend the Constitution and the rights and interests of the American people. In order for an occupation to be considered a profession it must gain the trust of their client through ethic. There are key attributes for the profession of arms at the organizational level. They are trust, expertise, development, service, and
Her investigation is important because as it provides first hand evidence of the time which outlines the military policies of the US Army. Because of the wide range of primary sources the author uses to elaborate the No Gun Ri massacre and the US policies that allowed for the tragedy to happen, this source is valuable in interpreting how US military policies triggered the events at No Gun Ri. Unlike the Pentagon’s investigation of the No Gun Ri Massacre, which provides sources advantageous for the US to avoid blame, this article gives a well-rounded view of the incident as it presents both perspectives; that the US had no choice but to impose these military policies as a last resort that these actions, made by the ‘protector of the world’, could not be justified. The limitation of this source is that, although presenting both perspectives, it subtly conveys a sense of bias against the US military
Demonstrated integrity is the basis for dependable, consistent information, decisionmaking, and delegation of authority. (4) Professionally competent leaders will develop respect for their authority by— (a) Striving to develop, maintain, and use the full range of human potential in their organization. This potential is a critical factor in ensuring that the organization is capable of accomplishing its mission. (b) Giving troops constructive information on the need for and purpose of military discipline. Articles in the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) that require explanation will be presented in such a way to ensure that Soldiers are fully aware of the controls and obligations imposed on them by virtue of their military service (see Art 137, UCMJ).
The army must also have an expert knowledge of the enemy and likely enemies they may face and the best tactics and strategies to combat them. They army must then apply their military expertise to the best of their abilities to combat the enemy but stay within the boundaries of the laws of land warfare. It is our responsibility as soldiers to continually strive to be the best military professionals we can be at all times. Trust is firm belief in the
David Osborn HIST 202 Principles of War Professor Howard J. Fuller Research Essay 2 The use of asymmetric, or irregular, warfare by our adversaries has changed how we fight on today’s modern battlefield and helped to redefine our doctrine. The MacMillian Dictionary defines asymmetric warfare as: Acts of war against countries and ordinary people by individuals or groups who are not part of a country's army. A more globally accepted definition is: War between belligerents whose relative power differs significantly, or whose strategy or tactics differ significantly. This type of warfare, all though not new, has caused Commanders and doctrine writers alike to look for new Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTP) in which to engage this enemy; for their tactics are increasingly unpredictable and irregular. “Future adversaries are more likely to pose irregular threats.” Many tacticians and strategist alike long for the days of a battlefield that was understandable and had symmetry as to the conduct of warfare.
Our roots, which is basically our round and where we come from. Society can build upon past accomplishments, and it also helps us to speculate the future. The first, and most significant reason history is important is because we learn from our mistakes. If there was no history then everyone would make the same mistakes over and over. That is why it is very good for someone of high rank in the United States Military to know a good sum of history.