Executive Summary
This 1990 article discusses the goals and challenges of The Military Conflict Institute (TMCI) in developing a generalized theory of military combat. The author, Wayne Hughes, highlights TMCI's focus on ground warfare theory, the need for a sponsor to support its foundational research, and the importance of integrating naval perspectives. He argues against premature demands for 'practical' applications, emphasizing the lack of basic research in military theory compared to hardware development.
Why It Matters
This document provides insight into the foundational efforts to develop a comprehensive theory of military combat, which is crucial for understanding the intellectual underpinnings of military doctrine and strategic planning. It highlights the interdisciplinary nature of military theory development, encompassing historical analysis, technological integration, and human factors.
Key Takeaways
- The TMCI is developing a comprehensive "Theory of Military Combat and Its Practical Application" (ATOMCIPA) to address current and future warfare challenges.
- The theory aims to integrate historical military thought, apply computer technology to tactical C2, and consider human factors and foreign philosophies.
- The primary users of this theory are expected to be military and civilian officials responsible for national security, defense policy, and combat doctrine development.
- The TMCI faces challenges in securing funding and managing administrative burdens, highlighting a perceived lack of investment in basic military theory research.
- The document emphasizes the need for a robust theoretical framework to inform force structure, fighting doctrine, and hardware development, rather than relying solely on technological solutions.
Strategic Relevance
The development of a generalized theory of military combat is strategically vital for informing defense policy, doctrine, and force structure. It provides a framework for understanding and adapting to evolving warfare domains, such as space, and ensures that technological advancements are integrated within a coherent strategic vision.