Chapter XXXI: Conclusion

The discussion of "Sound Military Decision" now closes with a
brief review of the application of mental power to the
solution of military problems.

Mental power, which includes the ability to arrive at sound solutions of military problems, is a recognized essential component of fighting strength because (page 18) it is the source of professional judgment.

The procedure most likely to ensure sound solutions is the studied employment of a natural mental process, differing in no fundamental respect from that effectively utilized in all other human activities. The basic mental procedure remains unchanged, irrespective of the nature of the problem,--be it simple or complex, its solution instantaneous or slow. The procedure is especially adapted to the needs of the profession of arms through the use of the Fundamental Military Principle. By outlining the essential elements involved, this Principle, a valid guide for the solution of military problems, covers the full scope of the application of mental power as a recognized component of fighting strength.

It is more especially during the swift-moving action of the tactical engagement that moral capacity to command, and mental ability to solve military problems, experience the maximum pressure of events. It is then, also, that the responsibility of the commander creates an added demand for intelligent application of mental power because of the vital issues which may hinge upon his decisions. That this pressure be successfully sustained, and this responsibility effectively discharged, is the goal of any system of mental training in the profession of arms (page 114).

On a fundamental basis of earnest thought, mental ability, character, knowledge, and experience, finally rests the soundness of decision.

OUTLINE FORM OF AN OPERATION PLAN

TITLES OF THE
SUPERIOR ECHELONS,
File Notations TITLE OF THE FORCE,
SECRET (or CONFIDENTIAL) NAME OF SHIP, Flagship.

Operation Plan PLACE OF ISSUE,
No. ---- Date and hour of issue.

TASK ORGANIZATION.

(a) Task Force Title, Rank and name of its commander. Composition
of Task Force.

(b) (Similarly enumerate other Task Forces after appropriate
letter (b), (c), etc.)

1. Information. Information of enemy and own forces affecting
the Plan and needed by subordinate commanders. If no
further information is available, the statement "No
further information" is inserted. Distinction is made
between matters of conjecture and of fact. If desired,
indicate the tasks and general objectives of higher
echelons and of coordinate forces of the commander's
echelon, and of other forces of the command, not listed in
the Task Organization. If desired, include general
measures prescribed by the immediate superior for
cooperation and security.

Assumptions. Statement of the assumptions upon which the
Plan is based. Assumptions are things taken for granted as
the basis for action.

2. The general plan for the whole force actually under the
command of the officer issuing the Plan, and, if desired,
the methods of executing it, and its purpose. If
additional matter is needed to convey clearly the will and
intent of the commander, such matter may be added.

3. (a) Title of Task Force (a), followed by a statement of the
principal task, other tasks, and detailed instructions for
the particular Task Force. Tasks may be stated, if
preferred, in chronological order. Include directions as to
cooperation, security, and intelligence activities.

(b) Title of Task Force (b), followed by a subparagraph of
similar substance and arrangements as in (a) above.

(x) Instructions that apply to all Task Forces or that
pertain to the general conduct of the operation, including,
if desired, coordinating instructions applying to more than
one task force. Include, particularly, measures for
cooperation, security, and intelligence activities. Include
statement of the time and/or manner in which the Operation
Plan is to be placed in effect.

4. Broad instructions concerning logistics measures necessary
to the operation, or reference to Logistics Annex, if one
has been prepared in connection with the operation.

5. Measures necessary to the exercise of command, such as plan
of communications, zone time to be used, rendezvous, and
location of Commander during operation.

(Signature)
Rank,
Title of Command.

ANNEXES.

A. (Name) B. do NOTE--The Operation Order (see page 196) follows this Form except that it makes no provision for assumptions, DISTRIBUTION and is effective on receipt unless otherwise provided in the body of the Order.

(Authentication)

(Seal)

TABULAR FORMS

TABULAR FORM OF THE ESTIMATE OF THE SITUATION

Section Page

I. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE BASIS FOR SOLUTION OF THE PROBLEM.

A. The Appropriate Effect Desired 118
(1) Summary of the Situation 119
(2) Recognition of the Incentive 119
(3) Appreciation of the Assigned Objective 119
(4) Formulation of the Mission 121

B. Relative Fighting Strength 121

(To include only such of the following factors as appear
to be necessary background for the later reasoning in
Sections II to IV.)

(1) Survey of the Means Available and Opposed 123
*(a) General Factors 124
(i) Political Factors 124
(ii) Economics Factors 125
(iii) Psychological Factors 125
(iv) Information and Counter-Information
Measures 126
(b) Factors More Directly Applicable to the
Armed Forces 127
(i) Vessels, including Aircraft 127
(ii) Land Forces, including land-based
aviation 127
(iii) Personnel 127
(iv) Material 128
(v) Logistics 128

(2) Survey of the Characteristics of the Theater
of Operations 129
(a) Hydrography 129
(b) Topography 130
(c) Weather 130
(d) Daylight and Dark Periods 130
(e) Relative Location and Distance 131
(f) Lines of Transportation and Supply 131
(g) Facilities and Fortifications 131
(h) Communications 131

(3) Conclusions as to Relative Fighting Strength 132

II. DETERMINATION OF SUITABLE, FEASIBLE, AND ACCEPTABLE
COURSES OF ACTION.

A. Analysis of the Assigned Objective 135

B. Survey of Courses of Action 135

C. Application of Tests for Suitability, Feasibility,
and Acceptability 137

D. Listing Retained Courses of Action 139

III. EXAMINATION INTO THE CAPABILITIES OF THE ENEMY 139

A. Survey of the Enemy's Problem 141
(1) Summary of the Enemy's Situation 141
(2) Analysis of the Effect Desired by the Enemy 141

B. Survey of Enemy Capabilities 143

C. Application of Tests for Suitability, Feasibility,
and Acceptability 144

D. Listing Retained Enemy Courses of Action 144

IV. SELECTION OF THE BEST COURSE OF ACTION.

A. Analysis and Comparison of Retained Courses of
Action 145

B. Determination of the Best Course of Action 148

V. THE DECISION 151

* Usually included only in an estimate of broad scope.

On the reverse side, page 224, will be found a Tabular Form of the Resolution of the Required Action into Detailed Operations.

CAUTION. This folder is merely a guide, provided in order to facilitate reference to the subject matter of Chapters VI and VII. It is not possible to arrive at sound military decision by its use alone.

TABULAR FORM OF THE RESOLUTION OF THE REQUIRED ACTION INTO DETAILED OPERATIONS

Page

1. Assumptions 155-156

2. Alternative Plans 156-157

3. Application of the Essential Elements of a
Favorable Military Operation 157-164
(a) Correct physical objectives 157-158
(1) Effective action with relation to 158
(b) Advantageous relative positions 159
(c) Freedom of action 159-162
(d) Proper apportionment of fighting strength 162-164

4. Testing of Operations for Suitability, Feasibility
and Acceptability 164-165
(a) Listing of retained operations 165

5. The Formulation of Tasks 165
(a) Testing of tasks for suitability, feasibility
and acceptability 165

6. The Organization of Task Forces and Task Groups 165-166
(a) Grouping of tasks 165-166
(b) Assignment of necessary strength 166
(c) Completion of the organization 166

7. Application of the Fundamental Military Principle
to the Determination of Objectives Embodied in Tasks 167

8. The Assembly of Measures for Freedom of Action 167-168

9. The Assembly of Information 168

10. The Preparation of Subsidiary Plans 168-179

INDEX

INDEX

A

Acceptable consequences as to costs, principle for determination
of 34, 35

Acceptability, application of test for 101, 102, 137, 144, 147, 164,
165, 167

Action,
effective, against correct physical objectives 157
freedom of (See Freedom of Action)
physical conditions prevailing in field of 31
supervision of the 4, 197

Action, courses of, (See Courses of Action)

Annexes to Order Form 193

Application of
essential elements of favorable military operations 157-164
tests for suitability, feasibility, and acceptability 99-102,
137-139, 144, 147, 164, 165, 167
the Fundamental Military Principle 43-77

Apportionment of fighting strength,
during amphibious operations 67
discussion of 66-70
dispersion and concentration involved in 67, 68
diversion, bearing of, on 68
feasibility and acceptability of 69, 70
joint operations 67
numerical considerations 67
procedure for determining proper 69
a salient feature of a military situation (operation) 38, 39, 40, 41
types, training and equipment of forces 67

Appropriate effect desired,
assigned objective becomes 49
as the basis for the objective 52
definition of 21
enemy's 143
operations studied from viewpoint of 162-164
forms part of basis for solution of problem 30
principle for determination of 33
requirements for an understanding of 43
suitability as to 118-120

Areas,
coveted or in dispute 65
geographical not under one's own control 65
geographical under one's own control 65
no land, belong equally to all nations 62
sea, not under command 92
sea, securing command of 92
sea, under command 92

Armament, material factor of 128

Armed forces,
command of 11
factors more directly applicable to 127
function and character of 8
fundamental objective of 8
initial requisite to effective use of 11

Art of War,
a true concept of, requirement of 9-10
foundation of 1

Assumptions,
defined and discussed 155, 171
may form basis of Estimate 111

Authentication, order form 194

B

Basic,
decision 82
estimate of the situation 82
problem 81
problems challenging integrity of, plan(s) 203
problems involving modification of, plan(s) 201
situation 82
war plans 195

Basis,
of science of war 1
for solution of problem 20, 21, 29, 30, 43, 118, 134

Battle Plans 168-171, 196

Blind adherence to plan condemned 200

Body of order form 190

Brevity, required in directives 186

C

Campaign Plans,
defined 195
form of 194

Campaigns of Twentieth Century reflect intensity of mental training 2

Capabilities of enemy,
examination into 139-145
examination not complete under certain conditions 146
survey of 143

Cause and effect 3
correct relation between, established by principles 22
natural forces and resultant conditions 19
principles as valid statements of 19

Challenge to integrity of basic plan 203

Characteristics,
commander's personal 127
influence of, on fighting strength 31, 34, 43
of (field) theater of (action) operations 31, 35, 39-41, 43, 52, 64,
65, 129-132
racial or national 126

Clarity,
required in directives 186

Command,
adherence to chain of, essential to mutual understanding 14
chain of 12, 53
echelons of 12
mental preparation for 114
paragraph, in order form 193
responsibility and authority inherent in 12
the ideal of 11
training for 11
unity of 71

Commander,
may depart from his instructions 16
may modify or alter assigned task 15
relation of, to subordinates 15
staff of a 13
the personification of command 11

Communication(s),
lines of 67, 91
plans, as an annex 193
provision for 168
study of in strategical and tactical estimates 131-182

Component(s),
human and material, of fighting strength 8, 9
major, of military problems 43-47
mental power, recognized essential, of fighting strength 18, 217
parts of an operation assigned as tasks 162

Condition(s),
influence of, on resources 21
of armed forces 128, 129
of material 128
in war, peacetime exercises not a conclusive guide to 198

Consequences as to costs, principle for determination of acceptable 35

Constructive representations, establishing basis for 103

Corollaries to the Decision 153

Corollary principle,
of the Correct Military Objective 42
of Effective Military Operations 42

Correct military objective(s),
corollary principle of the 42
selection of 47-51

Correct physical objectives, effective action against 157, 158

Course(s) of action,
analysis and selection of 97, 104
analysis of, settles suitability, feasibility and acceptability 97
as tentative solutions, complete or partial 88, 93, 136
classified as to suitability, feasibility and acceptability 139
combination of enemy's 146
combination of, into complete solution 93, 138
comparison of, summarized 148
consideration of operations involved in 98
defined 88
degree of detail in which, may be visualized varies 96
determination and selection of the best 145-161
each, embodies an objective 82
examples of 89
how phrased 109
listing of 136, 139
listing of retained 139, 148
listing of retained enemy's 144
no rigid line of demarcation between, and operations pertaining
thereto 92
predetermined 86, 96, 102
rejection of 138, 139, 147
resolving into operations 147
retained, analyses and comparison of 145-147
selection of the best 145-151
survey of 135-137
test for suitability, feasibility and acceptability of 82, 98-102,
187, 144, 147, 164, 166, 167
visualization of 93
when embodied in decision 88

D

Daylight and dark periods 130

Decision 161-154
basic 82
corollaries to the 153
embodies best solution of the problem 22
expresses a general plan of action 83
indicates general objective 104
purpose of the 152
relation of, to detailed plan and directives 153
relation of, to mission 105
restatement of, for use in directive 187
statement of 151
subsidiary 106, 108

Detailed Plan 44, 49

Dilemma,
definition of 148
procedure in case of 149

Directive(s)
basic 82
defined 183
formulation and issue of 183
fragmentary 184
military, essentials of 185
military plans and military 183
requirements of a 186
subsidiary, and plans 106
types of naval 195

Distance,
involved in movements 65
relative location and 131

Distribution of Order Form 194

Diversions 68

Doctrine,
derivation of meaning of 16
military 16

E

Echelon of command, definition of 12

Economic factors 125

Effect desired,
appropriate, defined 21
by enemy, analysis of 141
character distinctly military, in war 35
enemy's 143
factor of the 39-41
further 20
produced by action of natural causes 19
source of 20-21
suitable to further effect, if appropriate 21, 30

End in view,
a result to be produced, an effect desired 30
requirements for attainment of an 30, 31

Ending of Order Form 193

Enemy, information of 215

Enemy('s),
capabilities, examination into 139-146
capabilities, survey of 143
information of the 190, 216
problem, survey of 141-143
situation, summary of 141
situation, re-estimate of 146

Entries in journals and work-sheets 214

Essential elements,
of a favorable military operation 47, 157
of a favorable military situation 47
relationship existing among 3

Establishment of the basis for solution of the problem 118-136

Estimate form,
a flexible guide 117
variation in requirements of 170

Estimate(s) of the Situation,
basic 82
provides basis for plan 82
estimate within an 83
form, a detailed guide for use of Fundamental Military Principle 113
founded on Fundamental Military Principle, 82
oral 212
running 107, 118, 204-205
subsidiary 106
tabular form of 222

Examination into capabilities of enemy 139-145

Execution of plans, importance of 198

F

Facilities and fortifications 131

Factor(s),
defined 25
directly applicable to armed forces 127
each to be weighed in connection with others 28
general, applicable to broad estimates 124
in relation to a situation 25
interdependency of 32, 39-41
pertinent, relation of, to effects to be produced 28
strength and weakness 132, 133

Favorable military situation,
essential elements of a, unchanged through the years 1
salient features of a 39

Favorably progressing military operation, salient features of a 38, 39

Feasibility 39-41, 61, 99
application of test of 187, 144, 147, 164, 165, 167
consideration of, calls for survey of comparative resources 31
facility of execution as test for 100
prospects of success as test for 100
relation of, to correct end in view 31, 32

Features,
salient, of favorable military situation 38-41

Feints 59

Fighting strength,
apportionment of 66-70, 162-164
conclusions as to 132
derivation of 35
human and material components of 8
mental power, a recognized essential component of 18, 217
relative 4, 35, 43, 52, 121, 122, 132
survey of factors of 88

File, journal, description of 207

Force(s),
armed, function and character of 8
requirements of, for task groups 166
task, organization of 165

Form,
estimate, a flexible guide 117
order, detailed description of 188-195
order, discussion of 183-196
standard, for plans and directives 188
use of, in solution of problem 110-113

Formulation,
of mission 82, 87, 121, 204
of tasks 84-86, 165, 192

Freedom of action,
a salient feature of a military situation (operation) 38-41
adequate, measures for ensuring 160-162
assembly of measures for 167
best basis for devising measures for 76
discussion of 70-77
initiative, of paramount importance to 74
list of matters requiring consideration for ensurance of 16
logistics support essential to 74
morale founded upon sound discipline, an essential to 72
organization, of primary importance in contributing to 71
relation of offensive to 75
security measures necessary to 74

Fundamental considerations,
factors become, in particular circumstances 28
the basis for the successful conduct of war 1

Fundamental military philosophy 3

Fundamental Military Principle 39-42

Fundamental principle for attainment of an end 32

Fundamentals common to all campaigns of history 1

Further effect(s),
consideration of 120
indicated by higher authority 33
relation of, to effect desired 30

G

General factors applicable to broad estimates 124

General plan,
a comprehensive method of attaining the assigned objective 49, 109
the Decision available as a 22, 44, 88
indicated in or developed from the Decision 155

Genius, fallacy of relying on availability of 2

Goal of planning 197

Groups, Task, organization of 165

Guide,
the Estimate Form a flexible 117
the Fundamental Military Principle a valid and practical 41

H

Heading of Order Form 189

Hydrography in theater of operations 129

I

Incentive,
during supervision of the action 198
recognition of the 20, 43, 44, 50, 79, 82, 119, 203
relationship of, with motivating task 79

Indoctrination, meaning and application of 16

Information,
and counter-information measures 126
its collection, analysis, evaluation and interpretation 122
of enemy and of friendly forces 190, 216
paragraph of Order Form 190

Initiative,
offensive is a method of seizing 75
relation of, to freedom of action 74

Instructions,
action may be necessary before receipt of 203
commander may depart from 16
letter of, in lieu of directive cast in standard form 188
the letter and spirit of, variation from 103

Intelligence,
accurate, related to freedom of action 76
and counter-intelligence, measures for 160-161
derived from information 122
plan 177
subsidiary problem involving 176

Intelligent suspicion, everything to be viewed with 200

Inventiveness and versatility, special attention to desirable 126

J

Journal file, description of 207

Journal for entry of data in running estimate,
description of 205-207
entries in, purely factual 214

Judgment, professional,
essential to good leadership 3
exercise of, in planning 117-179
exercise of, in the execution of the plan 183-217
has its source in mental power 217
relation of to successful conduct of war 40-114

L

Letters of instruction, use of 85, 188

Life, the ability to withstand punishment 188

Listing,
of courses of action 186, 189
of operations in definite sequence 158
of retained courses of action 139, 148

Logical thought,
necessity for 22
principles in their relation to 22
separates the rational from the irrational 22

Logistics,
factor of direct concern to armed forces 129
paragraph of Order Form 198
plan 179
support, commander hampered without 74
support, measures for 162

Loyalty,
a military necessity 15
more than a moral virtue 14
mutual, born of mutual confidence 9

M

Material, a factor applicable to armed forces 128

Means,
available, and opposed 31-36, 38-41, 43, 52
survey of 123
to be made available, principle for determination of 34

Measures,
for adequate freedom of action 160-162, 167
for exercise of command 160, 168
for information and counter-information 126
for intelligence and counter-intelligence 160
for logistics support 162, 167
for security, cooperation and intelligence 167
for training 160

Mental elements of fighting strength enumerated 9

Mental power,
essential component of fighting strength 18, 217
vital, as basis for professional counsel to State 10

Mental process(es) (See Natural mental process(es))

Military plans and directives (See Directive(s))

Military effort, no easy road to goal of 4

Military operation(s),
application of essential elements of a favorable 157
as tentative solutions of problems, denominated as course(s) of
action 82
attainment of military objective depends on effective 40, 47
determination of effective 55
possible confusion because of phraseology as to 109
principle of effective 42

Military principles, procedure for developing 29

Military problem(s), (See also Problem(s))
conclusion as to approach to solution of 113
approach to solution of, involves four distinct steps 80
basic 81, 82
effect to be produced and action required to produce it, major
considerations in solving 44
use of a form in solution of 110-118
four steps in solution of 79-114
involvements of full solution of 82
major components of 43, 44
solution of 44, 79-114
first step, in 81-106
second step, in 106, 117-164
third step, in 107, 155-179
fourth step, in 107, 183-216
sequence of the four steps in 107-109, 113
sound basis for, establishment of 20, 43

Military situation, every, has both strategical State in military
matters 10

Military situation, every, has both strategical and tactical aspects 83

Mission,
an assigned task coupled with purpose 87
clearly indicates the appropriate effect desired 121
double or multiple tasks in 88
formulation of, 82, 87, 121 204
manner of expressing 87
restated 135
subsidiary 170, 172, 174-176

Mobility, as a material factor 128

Modification of basic plan, problems involving 201

Morale, discussion of 72, 73

Motivating task 80

Mutual understanding essential to unity of effort 14
final aim of 15

N

National and racial characteristics, factors of 126

Natural law,
human activities governed by 29
relation of cause, effect and further effect to 19, 32
relation of, to human activity 11

Natural mental process(es),
adapted to military requirements 80
application of, to problems of war 11
employed by normal mature human beings 19
studied employment of, ii, 217

Naval directives, types of 195

O

Objective(s),
appreciation of (assigned) 44, 82, 119, 203
assigned 48-50, 119-121, 135
attainment of, by chain of command 12
best attained by properly directed effort 45, 79
chain of 48, 62, 54
correct military, principle of 42
selection of 43, 46, 47, 51, 117-184
correct military, relation of, to favorable military situation 37
correct physical, determination of (See also physical
objective(s)) 157, 158
determination of, embodied in tasks 167
general 49, 60
immediate 3, 64
inferred in assigned tasks 49, 84, 88, 104
in mind 37, 47
in space, physical 37, 47
intermediate 54
in war is an effect to be produced 36
national 7
physical (See also physical objective(s))
purpose of attainment usually given to subordinates, 48
selection of correct military 43, 45, 47, 51, 117-134
specified in tasks 84, 104, 49, 88
tentatively selected 51
typically selected by commander himself 50
ultimate 3, 54

Offensive, relation of, to freedom of action 75

Operation plans 195

Operation(s),
planning detailed 3
developed from measures for freedom of action 160
effective military, principle of 42
enemy's, envisaged by commander 144
favorable military situation dependent upon effective 1, 41
in relation to required action 106-107
listing of 158
military 37, 109
naval, classification of 92
order (plan), outline form of 219
reconsideration of 159
resolution of required action into 155-179
resolving courses of action into 147
theater of, characteristics of 129

Oral estimate 212

Order form,
annexes to 193
authentication of 194
body of 190
detailed description of 188-194
distribution of 194
purpose of 112, 188

Organization of task forces and tasks groups 165

Organization, staff, and functioning 210-212

Outline form of Operation Plan 219

P

Perplexity, source of every problem 20, 79

Personnel factor applicable to armed forces 127

Philosophy, fundamental military 3

Physical conditions in field of action 34

Physical objective(s),
defined 37, 47, 167
determination of correct 65
discussion of 55-59
effective action against 157, 158
eventual, a land objective 58
fundamental considerations in determination of 55
relation of, to (mental) objective 38
a salient feature of a military situation (operation) 47
series of, to be dealt with in successive stages 56
suitability, feasibility and acceptability of 56-59

Pithy statements, danger of 24

Planned action,
inauguration of 183-196
supervision of 197-217

Planning, goal of 197

Plan(s),
alternative 156
as proposed methods of procedure 21
basic 82, 108, 195
basic, problems challenging integrity of 203
basic, problems involving modification of 201
battle, described 168-171
best, incorporated in Decision 22
blind adherence to, condemned 200
campaign 194, 195
comparison of 21
detailed 22, 49, 105
general 2, 22, 88, 105, 155, 183
intelligence 177
logistics 179
military directives and military 183
of execution 108
operation, outline form of 219
outlined, plan embodied in basic decision 108
subsidiary 106, 168, 186, 201

Policy,
coordination of national 9
implementation of national 7
relation of, to military strategy 9

Political factors 124

Position(s) (See relative position(s))

Positiveness, required in directives 187

Power, mental, moral and physical 8, 217

Predetermined course(s) of action 86, 96, 102

Principle(s),
a natural law 22
cannot replace logical thought 28
corollary for determination of the appropriate effect to be desired 33
corollary or subordinate 22, 23, 28
establish (es) relations between cause and effect 22
false, why man adopts them; their danger 24
for determination of acceptable consequences as to cost 35
for determination of the proper means to be made available 34
for determination of the proper physical conditions to be
established in the field of action 34
for determining salient features of favorable military situation 39
formulation and use of 23, 27
fundamental, if basic in its field 22
fundamental, for the attainment of an end 32
in relation to logical thought 22
military, procedure for development of 29
of effective military operations 42
of the correct military objective 42
review of conclusions as to 29
the Fundamental Military 39-41

Principles of War (so-called) value and limitations of 25

Problem(s),
appearance of perplexity in situation results in 20
basic, the solution of 117
basis for solution of 20-21
challenging integrity of basic plan 203
courses, of action as tentative solutions of 136
enemy's, survey of 141
establishment of basis for solution of 118
involving modification of basic plan 201
recognition of new 199
solution of 20, 44
subsidiary 106
arising because of no sound solution for basic 149
how solved 106, 169
involving intelligence 176
involving preparation of battle plans 171
relating to logistics 178
relating to training 175
tactical 108

Psychological factors 125

Purpose,
of Decision 152-153
of Mission 87, 121
re-examined 135

R

Racial characteristics as psychological factor 126

Raid may be a valuable operation 73

Readjustments required during supervision of planned action 199

Recognition of the incentive 119, 203

Reestimate of the situation 146

Rejection of courses of action 138, 139, 147

Relations, external 124

Relative fighting strength 4, 35, 43, 52, 121, 122
conclusions as to 132
feasibility and acceptability as to 121-133

Relative location and distance 131

Relative position(s),
advantageous 159
characteristics of theatre, important from standpoint of 64
discussion of 59-66
fundamental considerations as to 59
procedure for determination and selection of advantageous 61, 159
salient feature of a military situation (operation) 38-41
suitability, feasibility and acceptability of 61-66

Resources,
as part of basis for solution of problem 21, 30
feasibility requires survey of 31

Restatement of the decision for use in the directive 187

Rule(s) of action,
circumstances alter cases, a reliable 24
faulty, unfortunate consequences of 23, 24
pithy statements as 24
search for reliable, by human mind 23

Running estimate 107, 113, 204

S

Salient features,
considered in selecting objective 51
of a situation 39
of military operations 38-41, 111

Science of war, basis for 1

Scientific analysis 1

Scientific approach to solution of military problems 2

Scientific investigation 1

Sea(s),
areas, operations for securing command of 92
high, and air above, presumably common property 62
movement by land, and air 60
provides theatre of operations with distinctive characteristics 80
routes, an important subject of study 62, 131
surface of, provides roads 62

Security measures 74

Selection of the best course of action 145-151

Sequence of operations, visualized 158

Sequence of tasks, chronological or in order of importance 166

Signature in Order Form 193

Situation,
a combination of circumstances 20, 25
actual or assumed 79
basic 82
enemy, summary of 141
produced by effects of certain causes 25
summary of 82, 119, 203
to be maintained or created 21, 30

Solution(s) of problem(s),
establishment of basis for 118-135
process of 135-151
tentative 88, 93, 97, 136

Sound decision, approach presented for reaching 3

Staff,
assistance, utilization of 93
of commander 13
organization and functioning 210-212

Stages, successive, for accomplishment of effort 164

Standard form for plans and directives 188

Strategy,
and tactics inseparable 10, 11
differentiated from tactics by end in view 83
distinguished by objectives 3, 10
in relation to policy 9
in relation to tactics 10

Strength and weakness factors 132

Strength, relative fighting (see also fighting strength) 4, 33, 43,
52, 121, 122, 132

Subordinates, proper relationship of, to commander 15

Subsidiary mission 170, 172, 174, 175, 176

Subsidiary plans,
as annexes 185
preparation of 168-179

Subsidiary problem(s) (See also Problem(s))
arising because of no sound solution for basic problem 149
how solved 106,169
involving intelligence 176
involving preparation of battle plan 171
relative to logistics 178
relative to training 175

Suitability,
application of test for 98-102, 137, 144, 147, 164
requirement of 31, 32, 39-41, 43, 51, 56

Summarized comparison of courses of action 148

Supervision of planned action 197-216

Suspicion, intelligent, everything to be viewed with 200

T

Tactics,
and strategy inseparable 10
differentiated from strategy by end in view 83

Task(s)
as a predetermined course of action 86
assignment of, to subordinates 84, 192, 193
expressed in terms of accomplishment 84
forces and task groups 165, 166, 190
formulation of 165
logistics 166
manner of expressing 84-86
modification of, may be required by changing situation 15
motivating 80, 153
of the mission 87, 121, 136
organization 14, 165, 166, 190
properly conceived, indicate an objective 84
re-examination of 135
underlying 103

Technique, nature of, in solution of problems 205

Tentative solution(s) of problem(s) 88, 93, 97, 136

Tests for suitability, feasibility and acceptability 137-139, 144,
147, 164, 168

Theater of operations, survey of characteristics of 129-132

Training,
measures for 160
peacetime 2
subsidiary problem relating to 175
tactical 72

Transportation and supply, lines of 131

Types of naval directives 195

U

Undesirable departures from plan involve penalty 201

Unforeseen opportunity to strike enemy may be presented 200

Unity of effort,
adherence to chain of command, essential to 12
between management and labor 126
most important single factor 12, 13
mutual understanding requisite to 14

V

Versatility, as a psychological factor 126

Vessels, including aircraft, as a factor applicable to armed forces 127

W

War,
a human activity and subject to natural law 11
as understood herein 8
conditions in, peacetime exercises not conclusive guide to 198
effective conduct of, requirements and demands of 17
specialized nature of, as a human activity 35

Warfare, naval, discussion of 91, 92

Weather 130

Will of the commander, importance of 201

Work Sheet,
description of 207-210
entries in 214
facilitates oral estimates 212
facilitates special reports 212
facilitates written estimates 213
summary of 216

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