Initiative in the Operational Defense

<p>This monograph investigates the possible use of initiative by the operational commander when conducting a defense. AirLand Battle doctrine is based on securing or retaining the initiative and exercising it aggressively to accomplish the mission however present U.S. doctrine treats initiative as an attribute of the offensive. Can the operational commander exhibit the tenet of initiative while in the defense and if so what aspects of initiative are possible? This monograph first examines the theory of initiative and defense to establish clearly both concepts. Subsequently two campaigns are examined to provide insights concerning the question of initiative in the operational defense. Specifically Wellington's defensive campaign in Portugal against the French in 1810 and Slim's defensive campaign against the Japanese at Imphal-Kohima in 1944. The monograph concludes with a discussion of the conclusions drawn from the campaign analysis. The study concludes that the operational commander can display initiative while in the defense although admittedly to a lesser extend than while in the offense. Therefore the tenet of initiative is as applicable to the defense as it is to the offense in AirLand Battle yet it may manifest itself differently in each case. The use of the counterattack which AirLand Battle doctrine stresses is not the only way to exhibit initiative when in the defense. Because the terms of battle can sometimes be dictated when defending the operational commander should give credence to the possible use of the operational defense to set the terms of battle and grasp the initiative from the enemy.</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>