The Role of Doctrine in Operational Art w COL (Ret.) Rich Creed
May 1, 2023
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COL (Ret.) Rich Creed discusses the role of doctrine in operational art, the key theorists and history behind 'Multi-Domain Operations,' and the importance of a common language in handling complex issues. The podcast explores the evolution of military doctrine, expertise in decision making, and the significance of cyber space operations in military strategy.
Doctrine informs operational approaches and reconciles strategic objectives with means.
History, theory, and doctrine are intertwined to guide decision-making and strategy development.
Diverse military experiences shape operational strategies and emphasize teamwork.
Doctrine evolves to balance tradition with innovation, focusing on multi-domain operations for readiness.
Deep dives
Role of Doctrine in Operational Art
Doctrine plays a crucial role in informing operational artists. Understanding doctrine helps in formulating operational approaches and reconciling strategic objectives with available means. Doctrine provides tools like operations variables, mission variables, and operational processes to guide military decision-making and strategy development. It aids in devising operational approaches that consider constraints and possibilities, distinguishing deep thinkers from those focused on tasks.
Theory, Doctrine, History Interaction
Theory, doctrine, and history are interconnected in military operations. History provides context and anecdotes, theory aids in making sense of complexities, and doctrine informs practical applications of strategic objectives. These elements form a baseline for military professionals to understand past experiences, contemporary challenges, and future strategies. They guide decision-making and operational approaches by drawing on collective military knowledge.
Military Workforce Expertise and Experience
The expertise and diversity of military personnel's experiences are essential in shaping operational strategies. Doctrine storage collective experience gathered over years, forming a foundation of professional knowledge. Individuals with varied backgrounds contribute to devising operational approaches, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and shared experiences in military operations.
Modernization and Readiness in Operations
Military doctrine evolves to ensure modernization and readiness in operations. Emphasizing the basics while adapting to new technologies and threats is crucial. The Army's focus on multi-domain operations and large-scale combat readiness reflects the changing landscape of warfare. Doctrine acts as a guide for operational success, balancing tradition with innovation.
Evaluation of Combat Power and Tactics
Evaluated combat power and tactics are vital in military operations. Understanding combat power factors like firepower, mobility, and protection informs strategic decisions. Through qualitative analysis and historical insights, operations develop strategies that consider varied combat scenarios. Doctrine and experience guide military leaders in assessing and adapting combat capabilities.
Space and Cyber's Role in Modern Warfare
Space and cyber domains play significant roles in modern warfare operations. Space enables continuous observation and communication, enhancing military capabilities. Cyber operations impact strategic decisions and provide new possibilities in conflict scenarios. Understanding space and cyber dimensions is essential for operational artists to devise effective multi-domain approaches.
Engagement with Doctrine and Professional Development
Engagement with military doctrine is crucial for professional development and strategic alignment. Involvement in doctrinal discussions and critical analysis enhances operational understanding and decision-making. By providing feedback and promoting doctrinal clarity, military professionals contribute to operational effectiveness and strategic coherence. Continuous learning and application of doctrine strengthen military readiness and adaptability.
Season 1 Episode 7 of the Operational Arch is the third episode in our limited series exploring the pillars of operational art. We peel back the unique role doctrine plays in conducting operational art and training operational artists. Our guest, COL (Ret.) Rich Creed, discusses how history and theory informs doctrine, which theorists and history were key in developing "Multi-Domain Operations," the U.S. Army's new operating concept, and why a common language is so important when dealing with complex problems. COL (Ret.) Creed is the Director of the Combined Arms Doctrine Directorate, or CADD, at Fort Leavenworth. While serving, COL Creed was an armor officer and commanded at the company, battalion, and brigade levels. He is a 2002 graduate of the Advanced Military Studies Program at SAMS, and a 2011 graduate of the US Army War College.
**Disclaimer: We experienced some technical difficulties while recording this episode and the audio is not as clean as we would like, or our audience expects. We published the episode in the best form possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Below is a list of sources that provide some further reading for topics discussed on this episode.
Army Publishing Directorate: https://armypubs.army.mil/default.aspx
"Deep Operations: Theoretical Approaches to Fighting Deep," https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Portals/7/combat-studies-institute/images/LSCO%20DeepOps%20book%20interactive%20with%20cover%20spread%2012Nov21.pdf.
MAJs Josh Bedingfield and Dan Warner are the hosts for this episode. You can contact them at operationalarch@gmail.com with any questions you may have.
School of Advanced Military Studies: https://armyuniversity.edu/CGSC/SAMS/SAMS
Twitter: https://twitter.com/us_sams
Intro and Outro Music: "On and On" by Christian Bedingfield
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