Science, Strategy and War The Strategic Theory of ... - Boekje Pienter

within the opponent and those that ensure that cohesion in one’s own actions is maintained.The central idea behind actions designed according to guidelines of the Blitzkrieg concept isto:- conquer an entire region or defeat an armed force in the quickest possible time bygaining initial surprise and exploiting the fast tempo and fluidity of action of armoredteams combined with air support, as basis to repeatedly penetrate, splinter, envelop androll-up/wipe-out disconnected remnants of an adversary’s organism in order to confuse,disorder and finally shatter his will or capacity to resist 71 .The mechanism that makes Blitzkrieg an effective method consists of four interdependentelements, and although Boyd does not list them as such, the elements of Observation-Orientation-Decision-Action can easily be discerned in his short description. Boyd alsosucceeds in pointing at the linkage with infiltration tactics 72 .First is the novel idea (in the thirties) of employing numerous air and groundreconnaissance actions, which together with other intelligence actions probe and test theadversary before and during combat operations both to uncover and to shape changingpatterns of strengths, weaknesses, moves, and intentions. The observed patterns ofmovement and actions, changes, etc., of the opponent are weighed against one’s ownsituation to expose attractive, or appropriate, alternatives that exploit the adversary’svulnerabilities and weaknesses and thus help shape mission commitment and influencecommand intent.The second element of the mechanism of Blitzkrieg consists of deriving a missionfrom the correct assessment of the patterns in enemy behavior and, based on the missionand the observed patterns in enemy behavior, of selecting and nominating a “Schwerpunkt”(center of gravity). This Schwerpunkt serves as the focus of the main effort. TheSchwerpunkt can be shifted during actual operations to bypass the enemy’s strength andstrike at weaknesses. Related or supporting efforts are also established. As discussed above,Boyd labeled these “Nebenpunkte”. These are threats, movements, combat actions, feints,etc. that tie-up, focus or drain the attention of the enemy and his strength.Having formulated a plan, the third element of the Blitzkrieg mechanism comes intoplay. From Observation, Orientation and Decision, Boyd moves to action. Small teams areinserted into the enemy rear area from the air or through rapid ground infiltration. Aided byagents already present, these teams seize critical objects such as bridges, they destroy railroadcrossings and communications, incapacitate or blow up power stations and generallygenerating confusion in the rear by their mere presence and by disseminating false messagesand fake orders. Meanwhile, air power and artillery are used to impede (or channel) enemymovement, to disrupt communications, to suppress forward defensive fires, to mask one’sown advance and to divert attention. Shock troops and leading armored columns advancerapidly from least expected regions and infiltrate the enemy’s front to find the path of leastresistance. Breaches are opened by fire and movement of air-, armored- and infantry-units.This will enforce a breakthrough, through which relatively independent mobile/armoredunits rush forward at high speed to penetrate the enemy’s interior, in close coordination withair support, air reconnaissance and/or air transport. The object is to cut lines ofcommunication, disrupt enemy movement, paralyze enemy command and control andenvelop the enemy. Finally, follow-on infantry- and armored-units pour in to overwhelmisolated pockets of resistance, widen the breaches and secure the conquered territory.71 Ibid, p.70.72 Ibid. This entire description follows quite closely Boyd's own wording.199