How Forgotten Military Doctrines Rise Again in Modern Warfare
In the ever-evolving landscape of military strategy, doctrines that once fell into disuse can resurface, given the right circumstances. The U.S. Army's doctrinal history is a testament to this cyclical nature, with no concept truly dying but rather lying dormant until needed again.
Take, for instance, the Pentomic Army, a doctrine born in the 1950s to adapt to the atomic battlefield. Despite initial enthusiasm, it proved unpopular and impractical, yet its ideas remain archived, waiting for a potential revival.
The current Army operating concept, Multi-Domain Operations (MDO), is already showing signs of decline. Introduced by General David Perkins in 2017, MDO focuses on simultaneous operations across multiple domains. However, as the military landscape shifts, so too must the Army's approach.
One doctrine that keeps rising from the ashes is Counterinsurgency (COIN). Every few decades, when the Army needs to control populations, train partners, or win hearts and minds, COIN resurrects. The recent conflict in Ukraine, with its emphasis on constant surveillance and cheap loitering munitions, has some considering the resurrection of Pentomic ideas.
The Army's intellectual history is filled with doctrines that are resurrected rather than invented. Each generation believes its doctrine is new and revolutionary, yet the ghosts of past doctrines haunt the Army's manuals and PowerPoint slides. As the Army continues to adapt and evolve, it is crucial to learn from the past while remaining open to new ideas.
Read also:
- Executive from significant German automobile corporation advocates for a truthful assessment of transition toward electric vehicles
- United Kingdom Christians Voice Opposition to Assisted Dying Legislation
- Democrats are subtly dismantling the Affordable Care Act. Here's the breakdown
- Financial Aid Initiatives for Ukraine Through ERA Loans
