Sequels

<p>This monograph explores the role of sequels in the process of operational design. The complexity and resiliency of today's armies has made the design of campaigns to achieve strategic ends an increasingly difficult undertaking. Campaign planners must contend with many factors not the least of which is understanding the need to develop operations which extend the depths of time and space. The operational commander must be prepared to fight multiple battles multiple operations or even multiple campaigns in his quest for victory. However ever present uncertainty can make planning for subsequent actions a difficult process. Whether or not the operational commander can see the future with sufficient clarity to make the detailed planning of sequels useful will be the subject of this monograph. This paper seeks to answer that question through the use of a two part methodology. First the theoretical basis for sequels their historical development and their relationship with operational design are examined. Next a number of historical cases are considered to determine if sequels have been employed in the past or if sequenced planning has been merely an afterthought of historians. On the basis of the analysis of the theoretical foundation of sequels and historical example the monograph concludes that sequels are a critical part of operational design which commanders must address in campaign planning. In addition a number of parameters are established which must govern the creation of sequels. Summarized these basic guidelines include the need to maintain a constant focus on the end state an application of the elements of campaign design so that they can support continuous operations and an appreciation of the role of initiative and freedom of action. The paper suggests the importance of sequels to operational design and the parameters for their employment ought to receive consideration by the U.S. military establishment as it develops joint operational doctrine.</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>