1. Evolution of Warfare
Warfighting MCDP-1

2. Learning Objectives Be familiar with the concepts of
Friction
Uncertainty
Fluidity
The Human Dimension
Understand the spectrum of conflict and levels of war
Understand the difference between maneuver and attrition warfare
Understand critical vulnerability vs. center of gravity
Understand the concept of exploitation

3. Readings
Warfighting, MCDP-1

4. Warfighting
“Very simply, this publication describes the philosophy which
distinguishes the U.S. Marine Corps. The thoughts contained here
are not merely guidance for action in combat but a way of thinking.
This publication provides the authoritative basis for how we fight
and how we prepare to fight. This book contains no specific
techniques or procedures for conduct. Rather, it provides broad
guidance in the form of concepts and values. It requires judgment in
application.”
Gen A. M. Gray

5. Definition of War WHAT IS IT?
“War is a violent clash of interests between or among organized groups characterized by the use of military force.” p. 3
The imposition of one will on another.

6. Friction
“The force that makes the apparently easy so difficult.” Clausewitz
The inherent difficulty encountered by two sides who have differing aims.
indecision
obstacles
weather/terrain
lack of defined goal
Can’t eliminate it; we must learn to deal with and overcome it. Human will.

7. Uncertanity “Fog of War” Unknowns about: Unpredictability & Judgment
Enemy
Environment
Friendly
Unpredictability & Judgment
What is possible and what is not?
What is probable and what is not? Enemy estimate!
One of the main reasons we study military history.
LEARN TO USE IT/MINIMIZE ITS IMPACT
Simple plans w/ contingencies
Foster initiative
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)

8. Fluidity Tempo of operations will fluctuate
The constant flow of actions and counter-actions created by unique combination of circumstances
Requires flexibility & adaptability on our part.
Combat is characterized by brief periods of utter chaos followed by long stretches of complete boredom…

9. Disorder Friction, uncertainty, and fluidity create disorder CHAOS
happens
Chaos favors opportunistic will
Influence the flow of action
Do not try to control each event

10. Complexity
Tempo often too fast for one central commander to control. Information overload…
Even the most simple of plans has many, many moving parts (usually called Marines or Soldiers).
We will not centralize decision making
Call “higher” for permission or guidance when action must be taken
It’s why we have “Commander’s Intent”
Beirut & unloaded weapons

11. Human Dimension
Encompasses all of the failings and achievements of man.
Violence, Danger, Fear
Physical and Moral forces
Stamina
Fires
“Human will, instilled through leadership, is the driving force of all action in war.”

12. Human Dimension
“Any doctrine which attempts to reduce warfare to ratios of forces, weapons, and equipment neglects the impact of the human will on the conduct of war and is therefore inherently flawed.”
Robert McNamara

13. Evolution of Warfare Nature of war remains Technology
Weapons
Communications
Tactics/Operations/Strategy

14. War as Policy Warfare will reflect (“serve”) policy Two approaches
Extreme Policy Motive: Wars tendency toward destruction will be less hindered by political restrictions. (Japan & the “Big One”)
Limited Policy Motive: Political considerations will restrict force application. (Beirut)
Two approaches
strategy of annihilation
WWII
strategy of erosion
Iraq

15. Spectrum of Conflict
HIGH
MEDIUM
LOW
MOOTW
The “Three Block War”

16. Levels of War Strategic Operational Tactical National strategy
Military strategy
Operational
Tactical

17. Initiative vs. Response
Initiative is not the same as OFFENSE
Taking the initiative may mean digging in.
Response is not the same as DEFENSE
Your response to an act may be to attack.
Which of the two concepts is stronger?

18. Offense vs. Defense Offense = striking power Defense = resisting power
Components of one another
Culminating Point – point where the offense “runs out of gas” and we assume a defensive posture.

19. Styles of Warfare MANEUVER ATTRITION Blitzkrieg Inchon WW I
Maginot Line
USSR

20. Combat Power Total force that can be brought to bear.
Tangibles and intangibles

21. Speed and Focus Speed is rapidity of action.
Tempo is speed averaged over time
Only RELATIVE speed matters
Focus is the convergence of effects in time and space on an objective.
Can achieve decisive local superiority for a numerically inferior force
Involves risk
Focus by all elements on the OBJECTIVE

22. Surprise and Boldness Surprise (disorientation) Boldness
Enemy awareness comes too late
Adds to Combat Power because of psych effect
It’s not what we do; it’s enemy’s reaction to what we do
Boldness
Unhesitating exploitation
Must not be reckless use of assets

23. Center of Gravity The whole enchilada, the big deal, the heart.
An enemy’s source of strength.
Which factors are critical to the enemy? Which can the enemy not do without? Which, if eliminated,will bend him most quickly to our will?

24. Critical Vunerability
An enemy source of weakness. A pathway to attacking a “Center of Gravity.”
…we should focus our efforts against a critical vulnerability, a vulnerability that, if exploited,will do the most significant damage to the enemy’s ability to resist us.

25. Exploitation
Taking advantage of any given situation, or better yet, taking advantage of the situation which YOU created.

26. Review What is war? Concepts: Spectrum of conflict and levels of war
Friction
Uncertainty
Fluidity
Human Dimension
Spectrum of conflict and levels of war
Maneuver vs attrition
Critical vulnerability vs. center of gravity