Understanding the Operational Effect.

Abstract

Abstract : Scant literature exists to guide today's operational artist in solving the intrinsic issues of the operational level of war. Most works concentrate on the activities or functions to be performed by the operational artist with little regard for fundamental differences in the practice of war at this level. An understanding of the operational effect, the unique goal we seek to achieve at the operational level of war, is crucial to the successful design of campaigns and operations by the operational artist. The monograph examines current U.S., Soviet, and German doctrinal literature in order to review the salient doctrinal and theoretical concepts which underlie this construct. The theoretical review points out a potential void in our approach to the operational level and proposes the notion of effects to fill this void. A working definition is presented and refined against three historical case studies which span the operational continuum. The historical examples are then compared and contrasted to validate the definition and to make observations on the role played by operational effects. Finally, the monograph concludes that both theory and historical examples support the existence of operational effects. These effects provide the key linkage between our actions and desired endstates. By understanding effects, the operational commander is better able to communicate his intent, construct his campaign plan, and direct its execution. The monograph recommends a more detailed theoretical study of the operational level, and the adoption of an enemy-oriented, effects/results outlook in our approach to operational art.