Download or read book The Operational Culminating Point Can You See It Coming written by James D. Coomler and published by . This book was released on 1986 with total page 45 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This study analyzes 3 operational machanized forces in the offense to determine if there are common recurring characteristics that foretell that a unit is approaching its culminating point. They are: the German defeat at El Alamein, 1942; the Soviet defeat at Kharkov, 1943; and the German defeat at the Battle of the Bulge, 1944. FM 100-5 cites the Clausewitzian concept of the operational art. A commander who is familiar with possible indicators and who understands historical examples of the culminating point has an advantage in making the necessary decisions in time to prevent his force from passing its culminating point or to allow him to take advantage of an enemy's. The study provides an understanding of the culminating point concept, its relationship to implementation of doctrine, and some guides to alert of possible approaching culminating points. Two broad categories recur: those events known to or caused by the attacker to himself and those brought about the enemy. The overwhelming majority of events or traits which help bring about the culminating point are of the former; the attacker hastens his own culminating point more so than does the enemy. A commander's overconfidence and stubborn commitment to a flawed course of action was found to contribute most directly to his eventual inability to defend.

Download or read book The Razor s Edge Identifying the Operational Culminating Point of Victory written by and published by . This book was released on 1995 with total page 33 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Clausewitz's notion of the culminating point is strongly endorsed in US military doctrinal manuals. While the concept appears valid, few sources offer clues on how the operational commander is to identify the culminating point except, perhaps, in retrospect. Identifying that point as it happens could signal the military leader if and when he has lost or won the fight. This study determined that absent any practical advice, one has to revert to theory to deduce an answer. Clausewitz says there are three means of determining victory: the enemy's greater loss of material strength, his loss of morale, and his admission of giving up his intentions. The first falls in the physical domain of combat, the second lies in the moral domain, and the third is a function of initiative. Determining victory or defeat, therefore, is both an art and a science. Several historical accounts of operational culminating points are analyzed to see how that point could be identified. It also appears that the loser is the side which invariably sends the signs of the culminating point. The point is extremely difficult to see (and my never be accurately determined), but using the indicators discussed, the commander and his staff should plan for, anticipate, create, and capitalize upon the culminating point of victory. They need to anticipate the culminating point before the battle, but they also must seek it as the battle ensues. (AN).

Download or read book Zeroing in on the Culminating Point written by and published by . This book was released on 2001 with total page 27 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The culminating point is an important concept that must be understood by 21 St Century operational level commanders and planners. It is of the utmost importance that one's own, and the enemy's culminating point be identified with the highest possible degree of accuracy during the planning phase of a major operation or campaign. Failing to do so could result in a premature halt of the attack, thus benefiting the defender, or lead to the overextension of one's own force, leaving it vulnerable to an enemy counterattack. This study begins with a theoretical discussion of the culminating point, for both the attack and defense. Key definitions and related concepts provided in Carl von Clausewitz's On War, Joint Publication 3-0, Doctrine for Joint Operations, and U.S. Army Field Manual 100-5, Operations, are discussed in detail. These sources provide many of the factors that can cause a force to reach culmination, and serve as a basis for understanding the difficulties involved in trying to determine the time and place of culmination. The historical example of the Battle of Chancellorsville is used to illustrate the importance of the culminating point concept. Other current factors attributing to culmination are discussed, and recommendations are offered to help operational commanders and planners to

Download or read book The Culminating Point written by Bruce L. Meisner and published by . This book was released on 1986 with total page 45 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This study attempts to determine whether the theoretical concept of the culminating point is relevant today to planning and conducting campaigns or major operations. The study begins with an examination of the culminating point during the conduct of two major WWII operations in which it appears to have played a major role in the outcome of each: (1) Field Marchal Erwin Rommel's drive into Egypt in 1942 which ended at El Alamein, and (2) the combined penetration of the Russian 6th Army and Lieutenant General M.M. Popov's Tank Corps Group into the Ukraine in 1943, which precipitated the third battle of Kharkov. This is followed by an analysis of the various factors involved in the process of identifying the culminating point and a discussion of the role of the commander and his staff in this identification process. The study concludes with a discussion of the utility of this theoretical concept as part of the planning process at the operational level and its applicability to future conflicts and AirLand Battle doctrine.

Download or read book Prerequisite for Victory The Discovery of the Culminating Point written by David J Benjamin (Jr) and published by . This book was released on 1986 with total page 47 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This monograph is a theoretical and historical discussion of the culminating point. Initially, the author discusses the theoretical contributions that Clausewitz, Jomini, and Tukhachevskiy have had on the subject. Departing from this theoretical base, the author analyzes two major historical campaigns, the Soviet winter offensive in January 1943 to trap Army Group Manstein, and the race to the Dnepr in September 1943. The author analyzes these campaigns using the Colonel Huba Wass De Czege combat model to identify the factors of culmination. The author concludes that the factors contributing to the culmination of combat power are too numerous and vary too rapidly to allow for an accurate prediction of the culminating point during the campaign's planning and execution phases. This discussion on how to affect culmination offers some suggestions on how operational level leaders and their staffs can influence the culmination point. This monograph is the initial process in identifying and defining the culminating point. It provides a point of departure for further discussion and research on a new concept introduced in the current U.S. Army FM 100-5, Operations. (Author).

Download or read book Operational Warfare at Sea written by Milan Vego and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2008-10-27 with total page 394 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This new volume provides a comprehensive analysis of both the theory and practice of operational warfare at sea. The book is unique in using diverse sources and examples to present a comprehensive topical description and analysis of the key components of operational warfare at sea today. It opens with a survey of the emergence of operational warfare at sea since the end of the Napoleonic Wars, going on describe and analyze the objectives of naval warfare at the operational level and methods of employment of naval forces for accomplishing these objectives. The book explains the specifics of operational functions in a maritime theatre, discusses the personality traits and professional education required for successful naval operational commanders, and explores naval operational command and control in both peacetime and war, closing with predictions for the future of operational warfare at sea. This book serves as a primer of how to plan, prepare and execute major naval operations and campaigns for naval commanders and their staffs, but will also be of interest to advanced students of naval history, strategic studies and military history in general.

Download or read book Prerequisite for Victory written by David J. Benjamin and published by . This book was released on 1986 with total page 41 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book The Concept of the Culminating Point of the Attack written by Frank T. Taddonio and published by . This book was released on 1986 with total page 42 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This study attempts to determine if the Clausewitzian concept of the culminating point is useful in planning offensive operations at the operational level of war. The study postulates that the Army's AirLand battle doctrine includes theoretical concepts, such as culminating point, which are not clearly understood by many professional officers. Also, if the culminating point of the attack is an important concept, then it deserves a complete explanation which must be incorporated into the Army's doctrinal manuals. The study analyzes two major historical campaigns, the German counteroffensive against the Russians in the Kharkov campaign of January-March 19843 and Operation CRUSADER conducted by the British in North Africa, November 1941, to demonstrate the usefulness of the concept under investigation. The conclusion of this study is that the culminating point of the attack is an important concept which must be clearly understood by operational commanders. The historical analysis demonstrates how this understanding can lead to overwhelming success while a lack of understanding may prohibit decisive gains. Also, the importance of this concept requires that it be covered in greater detail and thoroughly explained within the Army's operational doctrine. (Author).

Download or read book Government Reports Announcements Index written by and published by . This book was released on 1987 with total page 900 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Gozos de San Pasqual Baylon venerado en el Convento de Villa Real written by and published by . This book was released on 1800 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Time Space and Mass at the Operational Level of War The Dynamics of the Culminating Point written by Charles D. Franklin and published by . This book was released on 1988 with total page 50 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This monograph addresses the dynamics of the culminating point and its impact on the modern battlefield. It does so by first establishing a theoretical framework for operational culmination and then examining the theory as reflected in recent history. This paper focuses on the concept of operational culmination by examining the theoretical elements of culmination and then looking at the application of the concept in actual warfare. To do this, the paper first examines key definitions and provides a theoretical framework for understanding culmination. Next, it considers the application of the concept against the backdrop of actual campaigns in recent history. Then, doctrinal implications are identified in light of theory and experience to assess culmination considerations in U.S. operational doctrine. The conclusions support the validity of the concept on the modern battlefield. However, although the theory describes a critical dynamic of the battlefield it offers nothing more than a benchmark. It does not offer final answers for the operational artist, but serves as a start point which must be considered in the context of current situations, capabilities, means, and objectives. Keywords: North Africa, Korea, Maneuver. (KR).

Download or read book Clausewitz s Concept of the Culminating Point and Its Application in the Gettysburg Campaign written by James D. Coomler and published by . This book was released on 1993 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: With the publication of the 1982 edition of Field Manual 100-5, Operations, the U.S. Army presented a fighting doctrine rooted in classical military theory. Yet, doctrine, to be useful, must be accepted and understand in its own right by those who have to apply it. Clausewitz's idea of the culminating point is a good example. FM 100-5 cites the concept of the culminating point as central to understanding Airland Battle and operational art and, consequently, explains it to its readers. The Clausewitzian concept of the culminating point is even more important to officers who plan and conduct theater operations. The paper offers a critical analysis of the theory of the culminating point in the well known Gettysburg Campaign conducted by General Robert E. Lee in 1863. Was the Clausewitzian theory of the culminating point evident in the campaign? Did Lee consider the concept and apply it to his decisions regarding the campaign? Did the campaign support the concept and add validity to it? In looking for these answers, the reader can better understand the application of the concept of culminating point, and thereby, become a better practitioner of turning scientific theory into artful tactics and operations. -- (Abstract).

Download or read book Clausewitz s Concept of the Culminating Point and Its Application in the Gettysburg Campaign written by U. S. Army U.S. Army War College and published by CreateSpace. This book was released on 2015-04-24 with total page 42 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: With the publication of the 1982 edition of Field Manual 100-5, Operations, the U.S. Army presented a fighting doctrine rooted in classical military theory. Yet, doctrine, to be useful, must be accepted and understood in its own right by those who have to apply it. Clausewitz's idea of the culminating point is a good example. FM 100-5 cites the concept of the culminating point as central to understanding Air-Land Battle and operational art and, consequently, explains it to its readers. The Clausewitzian concept of the culminating point is even more important to officers who plan and conduct theater operations. This book offers a critical analysis of the theory of the culminating point in the well known Gettysburg Campaign conducted by General Robert E. Lee in 1863. This Civil War battle has been the subject of more study and extensive written works than any other battle of the war and the student of military history would think that it would be rich in examples of the application of military theory, in this case the concept of the culminating point. Was the Clausewitzian theory of the culminating point evident in the campaign? Did Lee consider the concept and apply it to his decisions regarding the Campaign? Did the campaign support the concept and add validity to it? In looking for these answers, the reader can better understand the application of the concept of the culminating point, and, thereby, become a better practitioner of turning scientific theory into artful tactics and operations. Lee's 1863 campaign into Pennsylvania is an excellent case study from which to investigate many of Clausewitz's theories about war. The concept of the culminating point is particularly well served by what happened in the campaign. FM 100-5 has reintroduced the culminating point to the U.S. Army and has contributed to the educational process to help soldiers detect the culminating point with the "discriminative judgment" Clausewitz said was necessary. Studying campaigns like Gettysburg can be very useful for a better appreciation of theoretical and doctrinal concepts. A better understanding of theory and its relationship to doctrine is important; understanding the key concept of the culminating point is one example.

Download or read book Clausewitz and the Culmination Point of Victory written by Hans Peter von Kirchbach and published by . This book was released on 1989 with total page 77 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Culmination Point of Attack and the Culmination Point of Victory are concepts Clausewitz has developed in greater depth. Both concepts are based on his understanding of strategy. As we see it today, however, they are related to different levels of warfare. The Culmination Point of Attack is an operational concept. The Culmination Point of Victory is related to the strategic objectives of a campaign and the outcome of the war and therefore a strategic concept. Both concepts are different but they influence each other. As a deduction of Clausewitz's thoughts a new concept, the Culmination Point of Defense can be developed. It is an implied concept and can be used by the defender once the attacker has crossed his Culmination Point of Attack. It is not useful to look for recipes, to apply these concepts. Clausewitz gives no recipes, he show reader how to think. The concepts are examined in greater depth by using case studies. The war in North Africa during 1941 and 1942, and an excursion to the Eastern front is evaluated to find important criteria for the application of Clausewitz's concepts in modern warfare on the operational level, as well as, the level of military strategy.

Download or read book Operational Leadership Once Beyond the Culminating Point written by Keith Douglas Emberton and published by . This book was released on 1996 with total page 24 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Clausewitz s Concept of the Culminating Point and Its Application in the Gettysburg Campaign written by U. S. Army U.S. Army War College and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2015-12-11 with total page 42 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: With the publication of the 1982 edition of Field Manual 100-5, Operations, the U.S. Army presented a fighting doctrine rooted in classical military theory. Yet, doctrine, to be useful, must be accepted and understood in its own right by those who have to apply it. Clausewitz's idea of the culminating point is a good example. FM 100-5 cites the concept of the culminating point as central to understanding Air-Land Battle and operational art and, consequently, explains it to its readers. The Clausewitzian concept of the culminating point is even more important to officers who plan and conduct theater operations. This book offers a critical analysis of the theory of the culminating point in the well known Gettysburg Campaign conducted by General Robert E. Lee in 1863. This Civil War battle has been the subject of more study and extensive written works than any other battle of the war and the student of military history would think that it would be rich in examples of the application of military theory, in this case the concept of the culminating point. Was the Clausewitzian theory of the culminating point evident in the campaign? Did Lee consider the concept and apply it to his decisions regarding the Campaign? Did the campaign support the concept and add validity to it? In looking for these answers, the reader can better understand the application of the concept of the culminating point, and, thereby, become a better practitioner of turning scientific theory into artful tactics and operations. Lee's 1863 campaign into Pennsylvania is an excellent case study from which to investigate many of Clausewitz's theories about war. The concept of the culminating point is particularly well served by what happened in the campaign. FM 100-5 has reintroduced the culminating point to the U.S. Army and has contributed to the educational process to help soldiers detect the culminating point with the "discriminative judgment" Clausewitz said was necessary. Studying campaigns like Gettysburg can be very useful for a better appreciation of theoretical and doctrinal concepts. A better understanding of theory and its relationship to doctrine is important; understanding the key concept of the culminating point is one example.

Download or read book The Culminating Point and U S Army Tactical Doctrine written by David B. Flanigan and published by . This book was released on 1991 with total page 47 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: