Considerations for Deep Maneuver

<p>This study uses historical analysis to derive factors which merit consideration by the commander or staff officer contemplating the employment of large ground maneuver forces in deep maneuver. The study focuses on whether there are conditions or factors which if present tend to favor success in deep maneuver. Following a general review of the development of maneuver warfare from the time of Frederick the Great to the outbreak of World War II the study analyzes four battles from the North African campaign of 1941-42 in which deep maneuver played a significant role. The battles studied are Operation Battleaxe (June 1941) Operation Crusader (November 1941) the Battle of Gazala (May-June 1942) and the Battle of Alam el Halfa (August-September 1942). The study concludes that deep maneuver by ground forces is a viable means of seizing and retaining the initiative during offensive operations. It can yield results out of proportion to the size of the force involved. Correctly used deep maneuver can enable the commander to defeat an enemy superior in strength and defending the ground of his choice. The study identified certain conditions which were characteristically present when deep maneuver was successful. Successful deep maneuver forces in North Africa possessed or achieved a clear operational concept; accurate and timely intelligence; surprise; superior relative speed of operations; freedom or flexibility of maneuver; adequate logistical sustainment; the ability to concentrate and synchronize the effects of all available sources of combat power; and an internalized doctrinal approach to war which emphasized the importance of all the preceding.</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p><br>