Accession Number:

ADA235078

Title:

The Maneuver-Sustainment Dynamic Model

Descriptive Note:

Monograph rept.

Corporate Author:

ARMY COMMAND AND GENERAL STAFF COLL FORT LEAVENWORTH KS SCHOOL OF ADVANCED MILITARY STUDIES

Personal Author(s):

• Harwood, Michael J.

Report Date:

1990-04-30

Pagination or Media Count:

53.0

Abstract:

The tension between the operational functions, maneuver and sustainment, produces an interesting dynamic. Maneuver at the operational level of war cannot be completely addressed without a thorough discussion of sustainment. Furthermore, reality mandates that operational maneuver and sustainment are inseparable. This study attempts to explain the relationship between maneuver and sustainment with a model, the maneuver-sustainment dynamic model. The model consists of four elements risk, concentration, genius of the commander, and initiative. These four elements are first explained in terms of supporting theory and doctrine. Next, the model and its elements are applied to three historical campaigns Slim in Burma, Rommel in North Africa, and Eisenhower in France. Through this discussion and analysis, the model is validated using established criteria. The study concludes that the model is useful as a guide for operational thinking, as a means for the analysis of historical campaigns, and, potentially, as a tool for operational design.

Descriptors:

• *WARFARE
• RISK
• THEORY
• FRANCE
• MANEUVERS
• NORTH AFRICA
• BURMA

Subject Categories:

• Military Operations, Strategy and Tactics

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE