Strategy: A Philosophy of Doctrine

摘要

This thesis presupposes that America is in a time of increasing danger as its relative power in the world declines. The paper, in addressing this situation, defines strategy as a method of thought. It distinguishes between the more conceptual strategy and the product of planning, doctrine. Such a distinction allows the formulation of a general concept of strategy which remains constant and continuous over time. This in turn provides the solid foundation necessary for flexible and timely planning in a time of unprecedented change. The paper contains four recommendations: 1.) To increase the historical and philosophical training of military officers, and to emphasize the study of the art of war; 2.) To train and assign a dedicated group of strategic planners who rotate between field and staff, but whose principle job is planning; 3.) To centralize the chain of command in the Department of Defense; and 4.) To decentralize authority in the Department of Defense to the greatest extent feasible.