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Sound Military Decision U.S. Naval War College

Naval Institute Press Annapolis, Maryland CONTENTS

Sound Military Decision U.S. NAVAL WAR COLLEGE

Newport, Rhode Island TABLE OF CONTENTS

FOREWORDToC PART I PROFESSIONAL JUDGMENT IN ITS RELATION TO THE SUCCESSFUL CONDUCT OF WAR CHAPTER IToC

COMMAND AND ITS PROBLEMS

CHAPTER IIToC

MENTAL PROCESSES AND HUMAN TENDENCIES

CHAPTER IIIToC

BASIC PRINCIPLES APPLICABLE TO MILITARY PROBLEMS (The Fundamental Military Principle) The Fundamental Military Principle

CHAPTER IVToC

THE APPLICATION OF THE FUNDAMENTAL MILITARY PRINCIPLE (Objectives—Their Selection and Attainment) I. MAJOR COMPONENTS OF MILITARY PROBLEMS. II. SELECTION OF CORRECT MILITARY OBJECTIVES III. DETERMINATION OF EFFECTIVE MILITARY OPERATIONS Physical Objectives Relative Positions Apportionment of Fighting Strength Freedom of Action IV. SUMMARY

CHAPTER VToC

FOUR STEPS IN THE SOLUTION OF A MILITARY PROBLEM The Approach to the Solution The First Step The Second Step The Third Step The Fourth Step Sequence of Events in the Four Steps The Use of a Form in the Solution of Problems Conclusion As To the Approach to the Solution of Military Problems

PART II THE EXERCISE OF PROFESSIONAL JUDGMENT IN PLANNING CHAPTER VIToC

THE SELECTION OF A CORRECT OBJECTIVE (Including the Determination, in Proper Detail, of the Action Required for its Attainment) The First Step—The Solution of a Basic Problem (The Estimate of the Situation) SECTION I ESTABLISHMENT OF THE BASIS FOR SOLUTION OF THE PROBLEM A. The Appropriate Effect Desired. B. Relative Fighting Strength. (1) Survey of the Means Available and Opposed. (2) Survey of the Characteristics of the Theater of Operations. (3) Conclusions as to Relative Fighting Strength. NOTE SECTION II DETERMINATION OF SUITABLE, FEASIBLE, AND ACCEPTABLE COURSES OF ACTION A. Analysis of the Assigned Objective. B. Survey of Courses of Action. C. Application of Tests for Suitability, Feasibility, and Acceptability. D. Listing Retained Courses of Action. SECTION III EXAMINATION INTO THE CAPABILITIES OF THE ENEMY A. Survey of the Enemy's Problem. (1) Summary of the Enemy's Situation. (2) Analysis of the Effect Desired by the Enemy. B. Survey of Enemy Capabilities. C. Application of Tests for Suitability, Feasibility, and Acceptability. D. Listing Retained Enemy Courses of Action. SECTION IV SELECTION OF THE BEST COURSE OF ACTION A. Analysis and Comparison of Retained Courses of Action. B. Determination of the Best Course of Action. SECTION V THE DECISION

CHAPTER VIIToC

PART III THE EXERCISE OF PROFESSIONAL JUDGMENT IN THE EXECUTION OF THE PLAN CHAPTER VIIIToC

THE INAUGURATION OF THE PLANNED ACTION (The Third Step—The Formulation and Issue of Directives) Essentials of Military Directives. Restatement of the Decision for Use in the Directive Standard Forms for Plans and Directives Types of Naval Directives

CHAPTER IXToC

THE SUPERVISION OF THE PLANNED ACTION (The Fourth Step) Problems Involving Modifications of the Basic Plan Problems Challenging the Integrity of the Basic Plan The Further Procedure Applicable to Such Problems of The Fourth Step The Running Estimate of the Situation JOURNAL WORK SHEET (For Running Estimate of the Situation) Special Remarks as to Entries Summary

CONCLUSIONToC

OUTLINE FORM OF AN OPERATION PLAN

TABULAR FORMSToC

INDEX

INDEXToC