Concentration of Military Force in Joint Operations: Applying Theory to Reality

摘要

This monograph discusses the theoretical principles of concentration of force of Carl Von Clausewitz, Baron De Jomini and Sun Tzu and their application to concentration in joint operations. The writings of these theorists are concerned with land forces. This monograph compares these land based theories of war fighting with two World War II campaigns fought in the Pacific Theater. The conclusions emphasize which of these theories apply to concentration of force in joint operations. The fundamental conclusion is that these land based theories are indeed applicable to concentration lin joint operations. The nature of joint operations involving air and sea power requires special consideration of time and space and synchronizing the concentration to achieve overwhelming combat power at the decisive point in time. The complexity and diversity of the forces adds to the difficulty of achieving concentration but is often not clearly defined in joint operations. The monograph discusses these issues and the other theories that appear to impact on concentration of force in joint operations.