Fighting the Big War with the Small Hammer: Operational Planning for the Medium Force – Case Studies and Tempo Analysis of World War II German Army Battle of Mortain, Defeat at Argentan-Falaise Gap

Nonfiction, History, Military, Strategy, World War II
Cover of the book Fighting the Big War with the Small Hammer: Operational Planning for the Medium Force – Case Studies and Tempo Analysis of World War II German Army Battle of Mortain, Defeat at Argentan-Falaise Gap by Progressive Management, Progressive Management
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Progressive Management ISBN: 9781370681983
Publisher: Progressive Management Publication: February 8, 2017
Imprint: Smashwords Edition Language: English
Author: Progressive Management
ISBN: 9781370681983
Publisher: Progressive Management
Publication: February 8, 2017
Imprint: Smashwords Edition
Language: English

This excellent report has been professionally converted for accurate flowing-text e-book format reproduction. The asymmetry of medium versus heavy operations creates a problem for the medium force. This problem is relevant because the strategic direction of the United States encourages the growth of medium forces. This means the study of medium versus heavy operations becomes a concern should an existential war occur. This monograph addresses the elements of operational art that are most critical during medium versus heavy operations. Section one uses an aggregate caliber calculation to compare US and German divisional combat power. Sections two and three use the contemporary US Army definition and description of operational art to analyze the American defense at Mortain and the Allied defeat of two German armies at Falaise-Argentan. The American success defending at Mortain and encircling the Germans at Falaise-Argentan illustrates the importance of tempo, transitions, and phasing. The Allied tempo all along the Normandy Front prevented the Germans from massing the required combat power to make an effective attack against the Americans at Mortain. Furthermore, the Allied tempo caused a deep salient to form around two German Armies extending from Mortain to Falaise and Argentan. However, the Americans reduced their tempo at Argentan and transitioned poorly to close the encirclement. This allowed the Germans to hold open the gap for an additional five days and gave the Germans the space required to conduct a breakout. Given these historical examples, the most critical elements of operational art are tempo, transitions, and phasing during medium versus heavy operations. Operational planners should use phasing to focus assets in a way that enables tempo.

Acronyms * Introduction * Section One: The Case for Medium in World War II * The Search for a Functional Definition of Medium Forces * The Medium Applied in World War II * Avoiding the Medium versus Heavy Fight * Conclusion * Section Two: The Battle of Mortain * Methodology and Criteria: Tempo Related to Mass * Overview: The Battle of Mortain * Analysis: Mortain, Tempo, and Operational Art * Conclusion * Section Three: Argentan-Falaise * Methodology and Criteria: OODA Loop and Tempo * Overview: German Defeat at Argentan-Falaise Gap * Analysis: Argentan-Falaise, Tempo, and Operational Art * Analysis: Argentan-Falaise, Transitions, and Operational Art * Conclusion * Conclusion * Recommendations

In December 1944, I Company, 23rd Infantry Regiment defended east of Elensborn, Belgium against a German attack in the opening blows of the Battle of the Bulge. I Company stood against seven German infantry assaults that day. Then it happened. Five Tiger tanks appeared and lumbered toward I Company's position with infantry support. Captain Charles MacDonald, I Company's Commander, requested a Sherman tank platoon to intervene against the enemy armor. While waiting for an answer, he tried to stop the Tigers with artillery, but without a direct hit, the Tigers kept coming. The Tigers poured round after round of 88mm destruction on I Company. MacDonald's Battalion Commander responded that the Sherman tank platoon refused to close with the Tigers, because it was suicide for the lightly armored tanks. The Battalion Commander agreed with their judgment. Neither I Company nor the 23rd Regiment possessed a way to stop the Tigers. MacDonald's defense folded.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This excellent report has been professionally converted for accurate flowing-text e-book format reproduction. The asymmetry of medium versus heavy operations creates a problem for the medium force. This problem is relevant because the strategic direction of the United States encourages the growth of medium forces. This means the study of medium versus heavy operations becomes a concern should an existential war occur. This monograph addresses the elements of operational art that are most critical during medium versus heavy operations. Section one uses an aggregate caliber calculation to compare US and German divisional combat power. Sections two and three use the contemporary US Army definition and description of operational art to analyze the American defense at Mortain and the Allied defeat of two German armies at Falaise-Argentan. The American success defending at Mortain and encircling the Germans at Falaise-Argentan illustrates the importance of tempo, transitions, and phasing. The Allied tempo all along the Normandy Front prevented the Germans from massing the required combat power to make an effective attack against the Americans at Mortain. Furthermore, the Allied tempo caused a deep salient to form around two German Armies extending from Mortain to Falaise and Argentan. However, the Americans reduced their tempo at Argentan and transitioned poorly to close the encirclement. This allowed the Germans to hold open the gap for an additional five days and gave the Germans the space required to conduct a breakout. Given these historical examples, the most critical elements of operational art are tempo, transitions, and phasing during medium versus heavy operations. Operational planners should use phasing to focus assets in a way that enables tempo.

Acronyms * Introduction * Section One: The Case for Medium in World War II * The Search for a Functional Definition of Medium Forces * The Medium Applied in World War II * Avoiding the Medium versus Heavy Fight * Conclusion * Section Two: The Battle of Mortain * Methodology and Criteria: Tempo Related to Mass * Overview: The Battle of Mortain * Analysis: Mortain, Tempo, and Operational Art * Conclusion * Section Three: Argentan-Falaise * Methodology and Criteria: OODA Loop and Tempo * Overview: German Defeat at Argentan-Falaise Gap * Analysis: Argentan-Falaise, Tempo, and Operational Art * Analysis: Argentan-Falaise, Transitions, and Operational Art * Conclusion * Conclusion * Recommendations

In December 1944, I Company, 23rd Infantry Regiment defended east of Elensborn, Belgium against a German attack in the opening blows of the Battle of the Bulge. I Company stood against seven German infantry assaults that day. Then it happened. Five Tiger tanks appeared and lumbered toward I Company's position with infantry support. Captain Charles MacDonald, I Company's Commander, requested a Sherman tank platoon to intervene against the enemy armor. While waiting for an answer, he tried to stop the Tigers with artillery, but without a direct hit, the Tigers kept coming. The Tigers poured round after round of 88mm destruction on I Company. MacDonald's Battalion Commander responded that the Sherman tank platoon refused to close with the Tigers, because it was suicide for the lightly armored tanks. The Battalion Commander agreed with their judgment. Neither I Company nor the 23rd Regiment possessed a way to stop the Tigers. MacDonald's defense folded.

More books from Progressive Management

Cover of the book 21st Century U.S. Military Manuals: Offense and Defense, Army Doctrine Reference Publication 3-90, Tactical Fundamentals, Concepts, Echelons, Maneuver, Reconnaissance (Professional Format Series) by Progressive Management
Cover of the book America's Security Role in a Changing World: Global Strategic Assessment 2009: Terrorism, Transnational Movements, Changing Character of War, WMD, Middle East, Russia, Europe, Africa, American Power by Progressive Management
Cover of the book The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing in Desert Shield and Desert Storm: U.S. Marines in the Persian Gulf, 1990-1991 - Defense of Eastern Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, CentCom, SCUDs, Khafji, Al Jaber, Heliborne by Progressive Management
Cover of the book Naval Mines in the 21st Century: Can NATO Navies Meet the Challenge? Sea Mines, Danger to Shipping, Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCS), Mine Warfare and Countermeasures (MCM), New Technology Mines by Progressive Management
Cover of the book The History of the XV-15 Tilt Rotor Research Aircraft: From Concept to Flight - XV-3 Program, Stability Issues, Army and Navy Participation, VTOL, Flight Research Incidents and Crash, V-22 Osprey by Progressive Management
Cover of the book 21st Century U.S. Military Documents: Air Force T-38 Flying Fundamentals - Start, Taxi, Takeoff, Traffic Pattern and Landings, Abnormal Flight Recoveries, Aerobatics, Instruments by Progressive Management
Cover of the book ATF State Laws and Published Ordinances: Firearms, 2009-2010, 30th Edition - Assists in Complying with Federal and State Firearms and Gun Control Laws - Part 2 by Progressive Management
Cover of the book Directors of Central Intelligence (DCI) as Leaders of the U.S. Intelligence Community, 1946-2005, Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Report - Dulles, Helms, Colby, Bush, Casey, Webster, Gates, Tenet by Progressive Management
Cover of the book The Dragon Lady Meets The Challenge: The U-2 in Desert Storm - Behind the Invasion, Sensors, Command and Control, Desert Shield, Assessing U-2 Performance, Olympic Flare Missions by Progressive Management
Cover of the book Marines in the Korean War Commemorative Series: Fire Brigade - U.S. Marines in the Pusan Perimeter, Pershing Medium Tank, North Korean Tank, Vought F4 Corsair, General Gates, Sikorsky Helicopter by Progressive Management
Cover of the book Regarding NATO: An Examination of the Alliance's Role in the Global War on Terrorism - Rogue and Failed States, Kosovo Legacy, Military Readiness, Afghanistan Case Study, American Leadership Role by Progressive Management
Cover of the book Arms Control and Missile Defense: Explaining Success and Failure in U.S. - Russian Cooperation - ABM, INF Treaties, Ballistic Missile Defense, Putin's Siloviki, KGB Cadre, Intellectual Entrepreneurs by Progressive Management
Cover of the book 21st Century FEMA Study Course: Emergency Support Function #13 Public Safety and Security (IS-813) - Attorney General, Incident Management Activities, U.S. Marshals Service, Maritime MSST by Progressive Management
Cover of the book Aftermath: A Historical Analysis of Resiliency Following Failure in Battle – Four Aerial Battles Where U.S. Airmen Won after Failure in World War I and II, Korea, and Vietnam, Esprit de Corps by Progressive Management
Cover of the book 21st Century U.S. Military Manuals: Opposing Force OPFOR Worldwide Equipment Guide (WEG) Part 8 - Ground Systems - Logistics, Obscurants and Flame, Improvised Systems, Upgrades, Countermeasures by Progressive Management
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy