This paper presents the author's views regarding the center of gravity, a concept which has created a surprising amount of disagreement among people studying operational art. The problem seems to stem from differences in interpretation of Carl von...
This monograph determined that the tactical and strategic experience of the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) since 1981 was relevant to the future operational environment of the U.S. Army. The IDF’s experiences are relevant because the Israeli Army...
This monograph examines whether infantry small units, trained and equipped solely for war, can successfully conduct operations other than war (OOTW). Many military professionals argue that units trained for war can readily adapt to OOTW. Yet, other...
Stability operations are not a recent phenomenon, but have been particularly common since the end of the Cold War. All the major deployments of the US Army since 1991 have involved such operations. In all these deployments, the US Army has been...
The first NCO school was the 2nd Constabulary Brigade’s school located in Munich, Germany. It had its first class enrolled on June 30, 1947. Then the 2nd Constabulary functions were overtaken by the US Seventh Army Noncommissioned Officers...
“Our Army has always benefited from the NCO who could and did display initiative, make decisions and seize opportunities that corresponded with the commander’s intent”. {United States} The small unit leader must still make decisions despite...
In the wake of hostilities, military professionals should not foreswear changes and adjustments designed to make their forces more proficient on future battlefields. Military forces that have just suffered a costly defeat often manifest a greater...
Fifteen thousand U.S. paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division stood on the parade field for Division review. The Battalion Commander called us to attention and gave the command "Eyes Right". The Division Commander rolled by standing in the...
This annual report from the Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office contains the following information: plans and policy; research and analysis (Southeast and Northeast Asia); Joint Commission support; operations and personnel recovery; outreach...
Safety, efficacy, and legal concerns surrounded the Department of Defense (DoD) Anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program (AVIP) in the early and mid-2000s. Production capacity, patient refusals, and legal injunctions limited vaccine delivery during...
This study discusses the 26th Division encounter with gas warfare in the Second Battle of the Marne and covers types of gases, instruction in warfare, the German version and analyzes the actual attack.
This study discusses the 33rd Division encounter with gas warfare along the Meuse and covers types of gases, military operations, use of gas masks, and analyzes the actual attack.
In late 1943, the British army ordered the veteran 7th Armored, 51st (Highland), and 50th (Northumbrian) Divisions to return to the Great Britain to provide combat experienced troops for the invasion of northwest Europe. On D-Day, the 50th Division...
The 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR) History is one to remember. Some people may ask what the 508th PIR (Red Devil) is and why is it important? A brief look back into time will answer these questions.
The 508th PIR was activated on February...
This study discusses the 89th Division encounter with gas warfare in the line of the St. Mihiel salient near Flirey and covers types of gases, military operations, lack of training, and analyzes the actual attack with the 30th Engineers attached.
This monograph explores the problem of mission creep. The trend toward ethnic and regional unrest has characterized the world security environment since the breakup of the former Soviet Union. The United States has struggled to find its place in...
Operation Desert Storm was fought with an immature counter-TBM weapons system, without joint or service AMD doctrine, and without the benefit of joint training. Twelve years later Army AMD forces took to the battlefield once again as part of a...
This research sought to determine the degree to John P. Kotter's 1996 model of Leading Change for transforming businesses could be applied to the Army's current Transformation initiative. The research used three historical examples--Ridgway's...
The Department of Defense is releasing for public use and research this multi-volume study giving the "MAGIC" or communications intelligence background of the 1941 Pearl Harbor disaster. In its review of classified records pursuant to E.O. 11652,...
Colombia remains one of the most troubled countries in South America. The continued export of drugs coupled with a significant insurgent threat and increased violence against civilians, signals a crisis capable of disrupting the entire region....