Operational Art in NATO

<p>FM 100-5 Operations published in May 1986 contains AirLand Battle doctrine which our Army will use into the next century. The new doctrine is considerably different from the Active Defense doctrine of the 1970's. Supported by the Army's top leaders AirLand Battle is being integrated into the OPLANs of our NATO forces. This integration will not be completed without difficulty as the political restrictions imposed by the concept of forward defense and the prohibition of crossing the international border may limit the operational commander. This study examines the extent of these restrictions and what it any impact they will have. The study summarizes the main concepts of operational art from FM 100-5 and historical examples of operational maneuver being restricted. Manstein's campaign into Russia during 1941-43 provides excellent examples of a commander proficient in developing a campaign plan and using operational maneuver. His campaigns are also relevant to this study as Hitler imposed restrictions which adversely affected operational maneuver. Contemporary articles are reviewed to determine US and Allied interpretations of AirLand Battle in NATO's defense. A Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) White Paper stipulates the concern of their government with the political implications of our new doctrine. The conclusions show the disconnect between theory and its application in NATO. The concept of forward defense places our forces well forward in a linear terrain oriented posture. The FRG government does not want us to cross the international border. Offensive action against Warsaw Pact forces is not in line with FRG political objectives. These restrictions combine to greatly limit the operational commander. We have a doctrine that is being applauded throughout our Army; yet it has not been as widely approved in NATO where we may fight using AirLand Battle. We must recognize this disconnect between doctrinal theory and application in the NATO theater of operatio</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>