Answer

Operation Art and Design

SITUATION

It is now early September 1942.  You are a staff officer with the Combined Chiefs of Staff, European Theater of Operations.  As a recent CGSOC graduate, your supervisor has tasked you to review the Norfolk Group’s plan and related documents (Parts 2 and 3).  The Combined Chiefs will meet soon to be briefed on the planning thus far to advise President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Churchill on the status of Operation TORCH.  Your supervisor’s instructions to you are:

“I want you to review this outline plan and the associated communications (Parts 2 and 3) and give me your assessment of how well TORCH supports the M/NATO theater objectives and how well TORCH includes the main elements of operational art and design.  However, to do this correctly you first need to understand the M/NATO environment and situation.  Use operational design methodology thinking to understand the North African campaign and how TORCH fits in it.  Do not give me a national or European strategy assessment. Answer the questions I have provided, and give me some responses I can give the Combined Chiefs.  Remember that TORCH is a major operation subordinate to a larger North African Theater Campaign. The Chiefs will be here in about six hours, so you don’t have much time.”

Requirements are listed below, beginning on page two of this exam. 

Read each question carefully!

Section A:  Theater Strategic level, the North African Campaign

1. (15 pts) Review the Operational Approach Student Aid Slide #7 for this question. Operational Design and the Operational Approach is a process of iterative understanding and problem framing that supports commanders and staffs in their application of operational art with tools and a methodology to conceive of and construct viable approaches to operations and campaigns.” (JP 5-0, III-1).  In the context of the Mediterranean/North Africa Theater of Operations (M/NATO), using the contextual background notes and material provided for this exam in Parts 2 and 3, apply operational design thinking as described in JP 5-0 chapter III to answer the following.
2. (5 pts) In your words, describe the operational environment. [Your answer should be one to five sentences.]

Operation TORCH was a strategic region for the sake of access to the critical resource; oil required in facilitating further operations. However, due to lack of crucial strategic bases for supply of resources needed in the war to save the Suez Canal and block enemy forces from access the oil resource, the British Eighth Army and the Axis forces had a hard time engaging in combat resulting in what was referred to as operation reach and culmination. The lack of strategy and logistics made the operation extremely difficult for both sides[1]. In addition, there was a dire weakness in terms of supply from home for the British forces forcing the supply to take an extremely long route. This was not only costly but also resulted in a major lack of resources or delays in supply of materials. The narrow strip of the northern Morocco presented as another problematic issue especially for Axis troops who were prevented from stationing here because of the neutrality of Spain. 

1. (5 pts) In your own words, describe the Allies’ M/NATO theater-level desired end state. [Your answer should be one to five sentences.]

Axis forces’ main goal was to cut the Suez Canal; a campaign that is expected to gain them access and block the route for the British in North Africa and Mediterranean to the Persian Gulf. On the other hand, the British were equally objective in protecting the Suez to prevent the Axis forces access to the oil. If the British secured the Suez Canal, then it would deny the Axis forces access to oil and weaken them making them susceptible. The main focus was to maintain open SLOCs through the Mediterranean to the Suez canal in order to ensure continued importation of raw materials and oil to the island Britain through this shorter route.

1. (5 pts) Concisely describe the problem or obstacle that is preventing the Allies from achieving their end state. [Your answer should be one to five sentences.]

One of the major challenges faced by the Allies was the attack and push approach caused by inadequate resources limiting their efforts only to about 300 to 400 miles from its principal base in Alexandria. Another challenge was the considerable distance separating them from their homeland base of support including long stretches of water causing a critical vulnerability. The British were forced to resupply their army in by steaming a long distance around Africa via the Cape of Good Hope and through the Suez Canal because the Axis had closed the Mediterranean SLOCs. These logistic obstacles made it extremely difficult for the Allies to achieve their objectives[2].   

2. 2. (18 pts total) Centers of gravity (COGs) can be derived from an ends, ways, and means analysis of the problem’s ‘system’ and have associated critical factors—critical capabilities, critical requirements, and critical vulnerabilities. You will identify the M/NATO theater-level adversary CoG and its critical factors.  [Do not exceed one typed, double-spaced page.]  
3. (3 pts) What is the Axis desired end state (not objectives)? [Your answer should be one to five sentences.]

Axis desired end state is to cut the Suez Canal as a way of blocking the British from accessing oil in the Persian Gulf. Oil is a strategic resource for both sides in facilitating the operations of the projected prolonged protracted war. By cutting the Suez Canal, the Axis forces will be able to prevent the British from accessing the oil in the Persian Gulf. In addition, the Axis forces will gain control over the oil resource in the Persian Gulf. With access to the oil resource in the Persian Gulf and with the British inability to access the region and resource the Axis will be better placed in terms of resources and strategic positioning in the region while the Brutish will be weaker.

1. (12 pts) Complete the quad chart below. Type your answers into the 4 text boxes; the text boxes will expand to fit your answer.

3. (15 pts total) Describe an Operational Approach that explains the Allied theater campaign. “The operational approach reflects understanding of the operational environment and the problem while describing the commander’s visualization of a broad approach for achieving the desired end state” (JP 5-0, pg III-13). [Related doctrine: JP 5-0, Chapters III and IV].

Using the contextual background notes in Part 2 and the documents in Part 3 of this exam, concisely describe in narrative form the operational approach the Allies plan to take in the M/NATO campaign to achieve the desired theater end state.  [Do not exceed one typed, double-spaced page.]

Since the direct approach is not working, the Allies plan to change their tactic and curtail the Axis supplies. This can be achieved through interference with the SLOC routes in order to cut and interfere with Axis supplies. This has the capacity to create a critical vulnerability on the side of the Axis and make them relatively weak due to lack of supplies. Since they relied on these supplies to win the war, it would then imply that they would be incapacitated and forced to retreat. The use of the aircraft, destroyers, and submarines would largely curtail the flow of supplies for the Axis forces. It would also affect the reinforcement that the Axis forces opt to receive from Tripoli and Italy[3]. Another component of the new approach is a combined assault through land, sea, and air against Mediterranean Coast of Algeria. In order to further weaken the enemy, there will be a prevention of enemy reinforcement during the period before D.28. There is need for a naval base to be based on Mediterranean ports in order to provide offensive action during the build-up phase. As such, TORCH is a critical operation and for advance to the eastward to be achieved, there must be employment of a naval craft to protect the ports, landing crafts, convoys, and to counteract to protect interferences with land movements along the coast by the hostile naval forces. Aviation will also be used to provide support and cover for the initial assault.

Section B:  Major Operation.  Operation TORCH

4. (10 pts) The focus of a campaign or major operation is the achievement of the military end state “that defines achievement of all military objectives.” Considering the strategic guidance provided to General Eisenhower in the Directive for Commander-in-Chief Allied Expeditionary Force, and based on the TORCH outline plan, what defines the military end state for Operation TORCH? [Do not exceed one-half of a typed, double-spaced page.]

The end state of operation TORCH is to gain control of the North Africa right from the Atlantic to the Red Sea through a combined military operation with the Allied forces. The operation will facilitate the development of a firm and mutually supported lodgments within the Oran-Algiers-Tunis and Casablanca regions. The Axis forces should be annihilated through intensification of air and sea operations on the European continent. The operation outline identifies major campaigns including a combination of air, sea, and land combats. The operation should be characterized by strategic positioning and approaches including composition of assault forces, landing of combat teams, positioning of combat teams, consolidation and coordination of combat teams, as well as location of troop bases[4].

5. (18 pts) Centers of Gravity (COG) are linked to objectives that achieve the military end state. COGs can be derived from an ends, ways, and means analysis and have associated critical factors—critical capabilities, critical requirements, and critical vulnerabilities.   You will identify the Allied Center of Gravity for Operation TORCH and its critical factors. [Do not exceed one typed, double-spaced page.]  
6. (3 pts) What is the Allied main objective(s) at the operational level for TORCH? [Your answer should be one to five sentences.]

The first objective is to undertake a combined land, sea and air assault against the Mediterranean Coast of Algeria, with a view to the earliest possible occupation of TUNISIA, and the establishment in FRENCH MOROCCO of a striking force which can control the STRAITS of GIBRALTAR, by moving rapidly, if necessary, into SPANISH MOROCCO. The second objective is to secure the Port of ORAN and the nearby airdromes of LA SENIA and TAFAROUI. The third objective is to secure the Port of ALGIERS and the airdromes at MAISON BLANCHE and HUSSEIN DEY. The fourth objective is to secure the Port of BONE and the airdrome near DOZZERVILLE (6 1/2 miles SOUTH of BONE).

1. (12 pts) Complete the quad chart below. Type your answers into the 4 text boxes; the text boxes will expand to fit your answer.

6. (10 pts) How does the TORCH plan, at the Operational level, intend to attack the Theater Strategic-level enemy COG? Explain.  [Do not exceed one-half of a typed, double-spaced page.] 

A change of strategy is the most probable approach to attack the Theatre Strategic level enemy COG. The Axis forces are prepared for to continue with the direct approach of combat and have strategized themselves in readiness for the same. However, the TORCH operation seeks to focus on a different strategy through collaboration and reinforcement in terms of air, land, and sea combats. This will catch the Axis forces unaware of the new approach and make them vulnerable to the TORCH forces. The TORCH operation will use strategic locations and positioning that will ensure effective combat force on the enemy. Collaboration of the British and American forces will further strengthen the capacity of the combat operation. The estimate is that 13 Divisions will be required for the entire operation with approximately 9 American and 4 British with a corresponding proportion of service units[5].

7. (7 points total: 3 pts for listing the decisive points; 4 pts for the justification). A decisive point is a geographic place, specific key event, critical factor, or function that, when acted upon, allows commanders to gain a marked advantage over an adversary or contribute materially to achieving success (JP 5-0) .  Decisive points (DPs) help determine how to apply friendly critical capabilities (CCs) to exploit enemy critical vulnerabilities (CVs) or defend friendly centers of gravity (COGs).  [Do not exceed one typed, double-spaced page.]
8. (3 pts) List THREE decisive points (not necessarily the objectives) you identify as important to achieve TORCH’s military end state [you answered military end state in question #4].

• Coordination
• Strategy
• Positioning

1. (4 pts) Justify these decisive points by linking them to the CRs and CVs of the operational or theater level COGs.

The success of the TORCH operation is largely dependent on how well the British and American forces will be coordinated to a common goal against the Axis forces. The major focus is to coordinate the efforts of the two sides the core strategy of the operation[6]. In order to utilize the identified capabilities to meet the critical requirements, the TORCH operation requires effective positioning and location. With the various capabilities including Naval, Submarine, and Aviation, there is a high likelihood for the TORCH operation will be a success. Effective positioning is required to minimize the level of vulnerability against the enemy[7]. For instance, the plans for the attack as well as the supply and landing times and locations must be done in high level secrecy. In addition, the commanders in the various units must be well informed of the operation times and positions.

8. (7 points total: 3 pts for listing the culmination points; 4 pts for the justification). A Culmination point is the point at which a force no longer has the capability to continue its form of operations, offense or defense (JP 5-0). Understanding the concept of culmination is critical to success in operational warfare.  It helps operational planners determine those factors or events that could cause either an attacker or defender to fail to achieve its operational objectives (increasing the risk of its eventual defeat).  [Do not exceed one typed, double-spaced page.]

1. (3 pts) List possible events which might induce Allied culmination of Operation TORCH forces short of achieving their operational objective without being defeated.

• Withdrawal of Allies
• Incapacitation of Troops and Combat Equipment
• Change of strategy by enemy

1. (4 pts) Briefly explain your selection. Your answer should explain the event and show how this event will cause culmination without attrition by numbers (defeat).

Withdrawal of the American forces would leave a huge gap in terms of combat that is likely to leave the TORCH operation vulnerable to defeat. It would imply a smaller troop and less combat equipment. Since the TORCH plan outline includes the aspect of reinforcement from the American troop, then their withdrawal would largely alter the operation.  At such a point, it is prudent for the operation to be culminated[8]. This would avoid the situation of a weak force risking defeat to the enemy.

Secondly, incapacitation of troops is equally risky for the operation because it would make the troops weaker and vulnerable. This would be as a result of unanticipated events such as accidents. A smaller size of troops than the one outlined in the plan would put the operation at risk. This would require the culmination of the operation to avoid defeat by the enemy forces. Likewise, incapacitation of combat equipment would compromise the operation by making the troops weak and vulnerable[9]. For instance, breakdown of equipment such as Aviation and Submarine would leave the troops unable to attack the enemy effectively.

The third event that could lead to culmination of the operation is a change of strategy by the enemy. A change of strategy is a major setback in combat and likely to derail the planned operation[10]. It is likely to disable the planned operation and result in defeat. To avoid defeat in such a case, the operation should be culminated.

[1] Baber, C., C. Fulthorpe, and R. J. Houghton. 2010. “Supporting Naturalistic Decision Making Through Location-Based Photography: A Study of Simulated Military Reconnaissance.” International Journal Of Human-Computer Interaction26, no. 2/3: 147-172.

[2] Cohen, William A. 2010. Heroic Leadership : Leading with Integrity and Honor. San Francisco, Calif: Jossey-Bass, 2010.

[3] Allerton, David. 2009. Principles of Flight Simulation. Chichester, UK: Wiley-Blackwell, 2009. 

[4] Lythgoe, Trent J. 2011. “Flight simulation for the brain: why Army officers must write.” Military Review, 2011. 49.

[5] Holmqvist, Caroline. 2013. “War, ‘strategic communication’ and the violence of non-recognition.” Cambridge Review Of International Affairs 26, no. 4: 631-650. 

[6] Holmqvist, Caroline. 2013. “War, ‘strategic communication’ and the violence of non-recognition.” Cambridge Review Of International Affairs 26, no. 4: 631-650. 

[7] Ethan S., Rafuse, Noe Kenneth, Snell Mark A., Woodworth Steven, Stowe Christopher S., and Simpson Brooks D. 2014. Corps Commanders in Blue : Union Major Generals in the Civil War. Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press, 2014. Project MUSE

[8] Cameron, Alexander, Michael Donovan, John Craig, and Grant Osborne. 2009. “Dynamic Content on Support of the User-defined Operational Picture.” Journal Of Battlefield Technology 12, no. 1: 9.

[9] Burgstein, Aaron D. 2014. “You can’t win if you don’t play: communication–engage early, engage often.” Air & Space Power Journal – Africa and Francophonie, 2014. 18. 

[10] Cameron, Alexander, Michael Donovan, John Craig, and Grant Osborne. 2009. “Dynamic Content on Support of the User-defined Operational Picture.” Journal Of Battlefield Technology 12, no. 1: 9.