Preparing for Large-Scale Combat Operations - The Support of Military History

Military history can be very helpful to support the current reflexions about Large-Scale Combat Operations (LSCO) and to identify potential pitfalls in their preparation. North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) armies are currently implementing a shift towards LSCO. They can benefit from the experience provided by numerous episodes, like the first years of the American Civil War or the interwar period. According to doctrinal publications, the first requirement of LSCO is mass, combination of manpower, equipment and strategic mobility. Indeed, it does not just mean having a strong reserve system, but also being capable of deploying quickly a large body of troop, even in a contested area. Recruiting or mustering soldiers is one issue, but then the question of their training and their leadership arises, hence the Professional Military Education (PME) aspect of the preparation for LSCO. In addition to a robust lessons learned system, military history can effectively support adaptation through a conceptual foresight, by enabling comparisons. Considering the challenges ahead regarding LSCO, every available tool - to begin with previous experiences - must be used. Indeed, military history can support every aspect of the current shift towards LSCO: studies, planning, PME and training. Furthermore, it will enable NATO armies to put their current transformations into perspective.