Introduction
The conduct of hostilities depends on a considerable number of factors that significantly affect the conduct of combat itself. The most crucial aspect of any military operation is strategy. How well thought out the plan is often evident in the first combat operations. However, the strategy of the operation itself is not simple, requiring clear and coherent decision-making that can save dozens of lives in the end. This paper will discuss the basic principles of war preparations and their implications for the overall concept of military operations.
Principle of Continuity and Its Effect
The first thing to consider when planning an operation is not the operation itself but how to conduct it and provide the soldiers with the necessary equipment and supplies. This is done using the principle of continuity, which means the continuous provision and supply of everything needed on the battlefield. All possible ways of supplying weapons, medicine, and food need to be thought out in advance to be able to continue fighting regardless of the intensity of the fighting (Department of the Army, 2019b). These supplies need to be continuously available regardless of weather conditions or means of supply.
The most common means of delivery are by train or, less frequently, by road. Road vehicles are less efficient due to the high cost of transportation and the length of time it takes to get everything needed into a combat zone where every minute counts. Using rail delivery methods is less costly and speeds up the transfer of supplies (Department of the Army, 2019a). In addition, this method is less risky due to the fact that if a railway is destroyed, it can be rebuilt more quickly than if it is repaired.
The timely delivery of supplies to a combat zone greatly increases the chances of success and the morale of the military, which often depends on such supplies. If the principle is followed, it is possible to continue firing without interruption and accelerate the offensive or hold a defensive position longer (Department of the Army, 2021). A striking example of the application of this model was the defense of Stalingrad during World War II, when the city was able to hold the line for a very long time and did not surrender to the enemy. Thus, due to the supply of arms and provisions to the city, the Soviet Union army could defend the strategically important city and turn the events of the entire war around. Despite the occupation, the Red Army high command took some crucial decisions to protect the ways to deliver provisions, and by joint efforts, the city was saved.
SusPOE Consideration Factors Analysis
In addition to all of the above, a warfighting strategy involves planning for and incorporating various factors that may affect the battle’s outcome right during preparation. Many details need to be included when preparing for either offensive or defensive action. The four most important are friendly resources, environmental factors, geographic position, and transportation.
Friendly resources include the attitude of the inhabitants of the surrounding areas and the accessibility of the supply. Careful analysis needs to be made of the people living nearby, how they feel about soldiers, and, if possible, convince them of the need for combat operations (Department of the Army, 2014). With the local population’s support, knowledge of the terrain for unexpected maneuvers and access to livelihood resources becomes possible. These may include food and medicine for the troops, fuel for combat vehicles, or important information about enemy forces. The environmental factor also helps when making plans, as the battle tactics change depending on the weather conditions. Also, in rainy weather, one needs to think more about an epidemic of disease, which may result from one of the soldiers becoming ill.
Geographic positioning can give a significant advantage immediately during the military operation itself. It is known that defending from high ground is better, and with that advantage, the enemy army will have to spend a lot more effort to take that battleground. The same goes for attacking, as one cannot attack knowing that the enemy is above, which is fraught with significant loss of life. Transportation plays an equally important role, as mentioned in the first section of the work (Joint Chiefs of Staff, 2019b). The constant supply of everything needed significantly increases soldier survivability and gives more freedom to the commanders. These factors allow for a more detailed plan for any military action and, with proper planning, an expectation of success. An example of applying all elements and deliberate offensives is the current conflict in Ukraine, where the Russian Army failed to conduct proper analysis and failed in its offensive campaign. Due to ill-conceived tactical decisions, an error in the analysis of residents’ sentiments, and a lack of appropriate logistics, the operation has failed and continues to deteriorate.
Conclusion
Having analyzed all of the above, it can conclude that, when planning military operations, preparation not only for the military operation itself but also for other, more minor things plays a huge role. Without the right logistics and proper analytical preparation for the battlefield, it will be challenging to achieve success. Therefore, every member of the chain of command must consider the smallest details and deal with the situation more strategically.
References
Department of the Army. (2019b). Sustainment (ADP 4-0). Web.
Department of the Army. (2021). Brigade Combat Team (FM 3-96). Web.
Department of the Army. (2019a). Sustainment Operations (FM 4-0). Web.
Department of the Army. (2014). Army Theater Distribution (ATP 4-0.1). Web.
Joint Chiefs of Staff. (2019b). Joint Logistics (JP 4-0). Web.