Operational Design of Campaigns. A Hedge against Operational Failures.

摘要

This monograph will examine the Mesopotamia campaign up to the British surrender at Kut in April, 1916. The purpose of this monograph is to answer the following research question: What are the modern implications of the operational failures of the British forces in the Mesopotamia Campaign of 1914-1916. The study of the World War I campaign provides a doctrinal context by which to view other campaigns and operations. It also provides insights for the use of the operational design model for campaigns. The monograph concludes that the British failure was the result of the loss of strategic direction. The British sought to capitalize on the earlier successes and allowed the operation to go beyond its intended purpose. The path to the misfortune of Kut illustrates the value of the operational design model. The operational commander must perform an assessment of ENDS-WAYS-MEANS and develop a campaign plan to successfully attain the national strategic goals.