Operation Chromite Counterattack at Inchon

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Abstract:

The planning and execution of Operation Chromite by General Douglas MacArthur in 1950 established the operational art that guides U.S. joint operations today. The Inchon invasion was one of the best operational-level case studies in the recent past. The rapid response to the North Korean attack of June 1950 was both bold and brilliant. Though notoriously self-centered, MacArthur was not a micromanager and he had a good sense of his role in developing a response. He delegated authority to subordinates to meet wartime needs while focusing on defeating the enemy. Moreover, as Commander in Chief, Far East CINCFE, he realized that his headquarters was ill-suited to the demands of war and formed subordinate staffs for such responsibilities. This decentralization in a crisis added to the responsiveness of Far East Command FECOM component forces. MacArthur properly concentrated on strategic issues, mainly keeping South Korea in the fight. He also dealt with coalition issues, addressing command and control as well as readiness concerns. Moreover, he led the concept development process for Chromite.

Author(s):
Ballard, John R.
Author Organization(s):
NATIONAL DEFENSE UNIV WASHINGTON DC INST FOR NATIONAL STRATEGIC STUDIES
Descriptive Note:
Journal article
Supplementary Note:
Published in Joint Force Quarterly (JFQ), p31-37, Spring/Summer 2001.
Pagination:
0008

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Monitor Series:
NDU/INSS
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_3_Force Application; JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_3.2_Engagement; JCA_3.2.1_Kinetic Means; JCA_3.1.2_Maneuver to Insert; JCA_3.1_Maneuver; JCA_5.2_Understand; JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_1.2_Force Preparation; JCA_5.2.2_Develop Knowledge and Situational Awareness; JCA_7.2.1_Mitigate Lethal Effects; JCA_7.2_Mitigate; JCA_7_Protection; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_6_Net Centric; JCA_6.4.1_Secure Information Exchange; JCA_6.1.1_Wired Transmission; JCA_6.4_Information Assurance; JCA_8_Building Partnerships; JCA_1.2.6_Concepts; JCA_6.1_Information Transport
Modernization Areas:
Fully Networked C3
Communities of Interest:
Weapons Technologies
Descriptor(s):
*KOREAN WAR, *COUNTERATTACK, *MILITARY OPERATIONS, *MILITARY COMMANDERS, *MILITARY HISTORY, DECENTRALIZATION, RECONNAISSANCE, JOINT MILITARY ACTIVITIES, MILITARY STRATEGY, REPRINTS, NORTH KOREA, OPERATIONAL READINESS
Field(s)/Group(s):
Humanities and History, Military Operations, Strategy and Tactics
Keyword(s):
CHROMITE OPERATION, GENERAL DOUGLAS MACARTHUR, INCHON(NORTH KOREA), CINCFE(COMMANDER IN CHIEF FAR EAST), FECOM(FAR EAST COMMAND)
Report Date:
2001 Jan 01
Creation Date:
2010 Sep 15