Balance: The Essence of Operational Art

摘要

The purpose of this monograph is to determine the operational definition ofbalance as well as to examine the role of balance in operational art. The monograph first surveys classical and contemporary military theorists for a theoretical basis for the concept of balance. Next, it examines the concept of balance from the view of a practitioner--Field Marshal Bernard L. Montgomery. From the theoretical basis and practical example, the monograph then proposes an operational definition of balance. This definition is then tested by analyzing three campaigns in light of the proposed definition. The monograph concludes that balance is a useful concept for both the design and analysis of campaign and major operations. Balance provides a useful link between the other elements of operational design. Finally, it provides the commander a method for assessing risk.