Operational-Level Deep Operations: A Key Component of Operational Art and Future Warfare

摘要

The United States Military has been conducting joint, operational- level deep operations for over a century. This is the point where U.S. Armed Services have found a common ground to focus their joint efforts. The American Civil War established a baseline for operational art in modern warfare. It also provided a basis for the study of operational-level deep operations. It is unclear whether the future battlefield will require a similar concept of deep operations. Joint Vision 2010 states that it does not. In this monograph, the author explores the idea that deep operations are an integral part of operational art and will play a critical part in future joint military operations. The monograph first establishes a working definition for deep operations and necessary functional capabilities. Based on this definition, the monograph examines application to modem warfare and potential for the future. It provides historical examples of deep operations in order to examine effects and trends leading to the current doctrine. The monograph places emphasis on explaining the common principles of deep operations, and the purpose for conducting these operations. It describes the operational dimensions, or battlespace, of deep operations in the different situations. It also discusses the operational level functions necessary to operate in the battlespace. This monograph concludes that joint, operational-level deep operations are part of operational art, and they are relevant in future joint military operations. The concept for operational-level deep operations holds promise for the U.S. Military as it enters the twenty-first century. It offers one potential avenue for meeting the challenges of the battlefield envisioned in the near future by retaining the multidimensional aspect of modem warfare. This potential warrants a more in-depth study of joint, operational-level deep operations, its combat organizations, its comma.