Sound Military Decision

The type of problem distinctive of the first step, now to be discussed, is a basic problem. It is the most likely type when an organized chain of command is in effective operati...

Section II deals with the fundamental considerations having to do, generally, with the first of these components, i.e., the selection of correct military objectives; the applica...

The discussion in Chapter IX invites attention to the special considerations which influence the supervision of the planned action. The Running Estimate, which employs the proce...

mental effort to the successful attainment of a military objective. Emphasis is placed on such matters as: the Estimate of the Situation in basic problems, together with certain...

The problem of the second step may be stated in question form as follows: "What action should I take for the attainment of my objective as selected in the first step?"

On the basis of the previous discussion as to the natural mental processes and as to principles useful in their employment, Chapter III discusses the requirements for the attain...

their relation to national policy, and discusses, specifically, the role of the commander with respect to the use of mental power as a recognized component of fighting strength....

(c) That it assign tasks to the subdivisions of the force, such that the accomplishment of these tasks will result in the accomplishment of the plan adopted for the entire force.

With the necessity for logical thought thus established, there arises a need for valid statements of cause and effect, i.e., of relationships resulting from the operation of nat...

The problem involved in the first step has been conveniently termed the basic problem because it is directly concerned with the attainment of the assigned objective (page 81). T...

The Basis for Solution of a Military Problem--The Major Components of a Military Problem--Essential Elements--Selection of Correct Military Objectives-- Determination of Effecti...

In the discussion which now follows, it is demonstrated that, if the second step (Chapter VII) has been carried through completely, the formulation of directives requires only t...

as a naval base; an air base for seaplanes, for land planes? Is M or N readily accessible to enemy battleships? What are the characteristics of the available entrances to shelte...

supervision of the action,--but the treatment as to details is chiefly from the standpoint of the mental effort. During hostilities the vital issues which hinge on alert supervi...

The Foreword, preceding, has explained the scientific approach to the solution of military problems. It has been brought to notice that the science of war can be utilized to fur...

relation to the successful conduct of war. This treatment examines the responsibilities of the armed forces, discusses the role of the commander, indicates the natural mental pr...