The Evolution Of Operational Warfare: A Look into Modern War Studies

Operational warfare is the art and science of planning and executing military operations on a large scale. It involves the coordination and integration of various military units, technologies, and strategies to achieve tactical objectives and ultimately win a war. Throughout history, operational warfare has evolved significantly, influenced by technological advancements, changing geopolitical landscapes, and the lessons learned from previous conflicts. This evolution has been extensively studied in the field of modern war studies, providing valuable insights into effective military strategies and tactics.

The Beginnings of Operational Warfare

The concept of operational warfare emerged during the Napoleonic era, as warfare went from being solely reliant on individual battles to a more systematic and organized approach. Napoleon Bonaparte is often credited with revolutionizing operational warfare by introducing the concept of the operational level of war, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning and the synchronization of various military forces.

During this time, operational warfare focused primarily on maneuvering large armies and coordinating their movements to achieve decisive victories. Tactics such as flanking maneuvers, envelopments, and the use of combined arms became crucial elements of operational planning.

Blitzkrieg to Desert Storm: The Evolution of Operational Warfare (Modern War Studies)

by Ali Kadri(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8525 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	430 pages

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Technological Advancements and the Birth of Modern Operational Warfare

The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed significant technological advancements that had a profound impact on operational warfare. One of the most notable advancements was the of railroads and telegraph systems, which dramatically improved the speed and efficiency of troop movements and communication. This enabled military commanders to coordinate large-scale operations more effectively.

The advent of the tank and other armored vehicles during World War I revolutionized operational warfare. These machines provided a new level of mobility and firepower on the battlefield, allowing for swift breakthroughs and exploitation of enemy defenses. The of aircraft also played a crucial role, allowing for aerial reconnaissance, close air support, and strategic bombing.

The Role of Combined Arms and Joint Operations

Modern war studies have placed significant emphasis on the concept of combined arms and joint operations as a fundamental aspect of operational warfare. Combined arms refers to the integration of different military units and capabilities, such as infantry, artillery, armor, and air support, to maximize their effectiveness on the battlefield. Joint operations involve the cooperation and coordination between different branches of the military, such as the army, navy, and air force.

In recent decades, the rise of asymmetric warfare and non-state actors has further influenced the evolution of operational warfare. The emphasis has shifted towards counterinsurgency operations and the need for adaptable and flexible military strategies. The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other advanced technologies has also become prevalent.

Lessons Learned from Recent Conflicts

The study of operational warfare in modern war studies has greatly benefited from the analysis of recent conflicts. The Gulf War, Operation Enduring Freedom, and the ongoing fight against global terrorism have provided valuable lessons and insights into the effective use of operational warfare.

One crucial aspect that has emerged from these conflicts is the significance of information superiority. The rapid advancements in communication and information technology have highlighted the need for real-time intelligence and effective command and control systems. The ability to gather, analyze, and disseminate information quickly and efficiently has become indispensable in modern operational warfare.

The Future of Operational Warfare

The evolution of operational warfare is ongoing, and the future promises even more advanced technologies and strategies. The rise of cyber warfare, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems will undoubtedly have a significant impact on future operational planning and execution. The ability to exploit these technologies while simultaneously countering potential threats will be crucial for success on the modern battlefield.

The field of modern war studies continues to evolve alongside operational warfare, providing a valuable platform for analyzing and understanding the complexities of contemporary conflicts. By studying the evolution of operational warfare, military strategists can gain critical insights into the ever-changing nature of warfare and develop effective strategies to adapt and overcome future challenges.

, the evolution of operational warfare has been a dynamic process shaped by technological advancements, changing geopolitical landscapes, and the lessons learned from previous conflicts. Modern war studies have played a significant role in analyzing and understanding this evolution, allowing military strategists to adapt their strategies and tactics accordingly. As we move into the future, the field of operational warfare will continue to evolve, and with it, the study of modern war studies.

Blitzkrieg to Desert Storm: The Evolution of Operational Warfare (Modern War Studies)

by Ali Kadri(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8525 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	430 pages

FREE

Paul Birdsall Prize

Society for Military History book Award

When Germany launched its blitzkrieg invasion of France in 1940, it forever changed the way the world waged war. Although the Wehrmacht ultimately succumbed to superior Allied firepower in a two-front war, its stunning operational achievement left a lasting impression on military commanders throughout the world, even if their own operations were rarely executed as effectively.

Robert Citino analyzes military campaigns from the second half of the twentieth century to further demonstrate the difficulty of achieving decisive results at the operational level. Offering detailed operational analyses of actual campaigns, Citino describes how UN forces in Korea enjoyed technological and air superiority but found the enemy unbeatable; provides analyses of Israeli operational victories in successive wars until the Arab states finally grasped the realities of operational-level warfare in 1973; and tells how the Vietnam debacle continued to shape U.S. doctrine in surprising ways. Looking beyond major-power conflicts, he also reveals the lessons of India's blitzkrieg-like drive into Pakistan in 1971 and of the senseless bloodletting of the Iran-Iraq War.

Citino especially considers the evolution of U.S. doctrine and assesses the success of Desert Storm in dismantling an entrenched defending force with virtually no friendly casualties. He also provides one of the first scholarly analyses of Operation Iraqi Freedom, showing that its plan was curiously divorced from the realities of military history, grounded instead on nebulous theories about expected enemy behavior. Throughout Citino points to the importance of mobility—especially mobilized armor—in modern operational warfare and assesses the respective roles of firepower, training, doctrine, and command and control mechanisms.

Brimming with new insights, Citino's study shows why technical superiority is no guarantee of victory and why a thorough grounding in the history of past campaigns is essential to anyone who wishes to understand modern warfare. Blitzkrieg to Desert Storm provides that grounding as it addresses the future of operational-level warfare in the post-9/11 era.