Triphibious Campaigning: A Different Perspective on Operational Maneuver

Abstract

Abstract : Ground, water, and air methods of invasion add flexibility and strength to the United States' offensive capability. This monograph is designed to examine the current feasibility of large scale joint amphibious operations. It seeks to answer two questions. What is our capability for moving large ground combat units over water barriers to gain, retain, or re-establish a foothold on other continents? Are well-founded operational procedures in place for the conduct of large scale joint amphibious operations? At the operational level of war, a more appropriate term for describing large scale joint operations may be triphibious. The monograph defines the problem and offers a tentative definition of triphibious operations. It explores the theoretical foundations of amphibious operations through a survey of Mahan and Jomini. William Lind's writings on maneuver warfare are used to link ideas from the past, present, and future. The joint amphibious operations of Mac Arthur during World War II and Korea's Inchon landings are used to bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and the reality of war. The paper concludes that the concept of triphibious campaigning is theoretically sound. Bringing the concept from theory to today's reality is not so easy. Recommendations are made to address shortfalls in operational concepts, force structure, and amphibious shipping capabilities.