Books as Frameworks: Military
Table of Contents
Army of None (Paul Scharre)
Robopocalypse Now
- The Coming Swarm: The Military Robotics Revolution
- The Terminator and the Roomba: What Is Autonomy?
- Machines That Kill: What Is an Autonomous Weapon?
Building the Terminator
- The Future Being Built Today: Autonomous Missiles, Drones, and Robot Swarms
- Inside the Puzzle Palace: Is the Pentagon Building Autonomous Weapons?
- Crossing the Threshold: Approving Autonomous Weapons
- World War R: Robotic Weapons Around the World
- Garage Bots: DIY Killer Robots
Runaway Gun
- Robots Run Amok: Failure in Autonomous Systems
- Command and Decision: Can Autonomous Weapons Be Used Safely?
- Black Box: The Weird, Alien World of Deep Neural Networks
- Failing Deadly: The Risk of Autonomous Weapons
Flash War
- Bot vs. Bot: An Arms Race in Speed
- The Invisible War: Autonomy in Cyberspace
- Summoning the Demon: The Rise of Intelligent Machines
The Fight to Ban Autonomous Weapons
- Robots on Trial: Autonomous Weapons and the Laws of War
- Soulless Killers: The Morality of Autonomous Weapons
- Playing with Fire: Autonomous Weapons and Stability
Averting Armageddon: The Weapon of Policy
- Centaur Warfighters: Humans + Machines
- The Pope and the Crossbow: The Mixed History of Arms Control
- Are Autonomous Weapons Inevitable?: The Search for Lethal Laws of Robotics
Extreme Ownership (Jocko Willink et al.)
Winning The War Within
- Extreme Ownership
- No Bad Teams, Only Bad Leaders
- Believe
- Check The Ego
Laws Of Combat
- Cover And Move
- Simple
- Prioritize And Execute
- Decentralized Command
Sustaining Victory
- Plan
- Leading Up And Down The Chain Of Command
- Decisiveness Amid Uncertainty
- Discipline Equals Freedom - The Dichotomy Of Leadership
It’s Your Ship (D. Michael Abrashoff)
- Take Command
- Lead By Example
- Listen Aggressively
- Communicate Purpose And Meaning
- Create A Climate Of Trust
- Look For Results, Not Salutes
- Take Calculated Risks
- Go Beyond Standard Procedure
- Build Up Your People
- Generate Unity
- Improve Your People’s Quality Of Life
- Life After Benfold
On War (Carl von Clausewitz)
Book One: On the Nature of War
- What is War?
- Purpose and Means in War
- On Military Genius
- On Danger in War
- On Physical Effort in War
- Intelligence in War
- Friction in War
- Concluding Observations on Book One
Book Two: On the Theory of War
- Classifications of the Art of War
- On the Theory of War
- Art of War or Science of War
- Method and Routine
- Critical Analysis
- On Historical Examples
Book Three: On Strategy in General
- Strategy
- Elements of Strategy
- Moral Factors
- The Principal Moral Elements
- Military Virtues of the Army
- Boldness
- Perseverance
- Superiority of Numbers
- Surprise
- Cunning
- Concentration of Forces in Space
- Unification of Forces in Time
- The Strategic Reserve
- Economy of Force
- The Geometrical Factor
- The Suspension of Action in War
- The Character of Contemporary Warfare
- Tension and Rest
Book Four: The Engagement
- Introduction
- The Nature of Battle Today
- The Engagement in General
- The Engagement in General - Continued
- The Significance of the Engagement
- Duration of the Engagement
- Decision of the Engagement
- Mutual Agreement to Fight
- The Battle: Its Decision
- The Battle - Continued: The Effects of Victory
- The Battle - Continued: The Use of Battle
- Strategic Means of Exploiting Victory
- Retreat after a Lost Battle
- Night Operations
Book Five: Military Forces
- General Survey
- The Army, the Theater of Operations, the Campaign
- Relative Strength
- Relationship between the Branches of the Service
- The Army’s Order of Battle
- General Disposition of the Army
- Advance Guard and Outposts
- Operational Use of Advanced Corps
- Camps
- Marches
- Marches - Continued
- Marches - Concluded
- Billets
- Maintenance and Supply
- Base of Operations
- Lines of Communication
- Terrain
- The Command of Heights
Book Six: Defense
- Attack and Defense
- The Relationship between Attack and Defense in Tactics
- The Relationship between Attack and Defense in Strategy
- Convergence of Attack and Divergence of Defense
- The Character of Strategic Defense
- Scope of the Means of Defense
- Interaction between Attack and Defense
- Types of Resistance
- The Defensive Battle
- Fortresses
- Fortresses - Continued
- Defensive Positions
- Fortified Positions and Entrenched Camps
- Flank Positions
- Defensive Mountain Warfare
- Defensive Mountain Warfare - Continued
- Defensive Mountain Warfare - Concluded
- Defense of Rivers and Streams
- Defense of Rivers and Streams - Continued
- Defense of Swamps
- Inundations
- Defense of Forests
- The Cordon
- The Key to the Country
- Operations on a Flank
- Retreat to the Interior of the Country
- The People in Arms
- Defense of a Theater of Operations
- Defense of a Theater of Operations - Continued
- Defense of a Theater of Operations - Continued: Phased Resistance
- Defense of a Theater of Operations - Concluded: Where a Decision Is Not the Objective
Book Seven: The Attack
- Attack in Relation to Defense
- The Nature of Strategic Attack
- The Object of the Strategic Attack
- The Diminishing Force of the Attack
- The Culminating Point of the Attack
- Destruction of the Enemy’s Forces
- The Offensive Battle
- River Crossings
- Attack on Defensive Positions
- Attack on Entrenched Camps
- Attack on a Mountainous Area
- Attack on Cordons
- Maneuver
- Attacks on Swamps, Flooded Areas, and Forests
- Attack on a Theater of War: Seeking a Decision
- Attack on a Theater of War: Not Seeking a Decision
- Attack on Fortresses
- Attack on Convoys
- Attack on an Enemy Army in Billets
- Diversions
- Invasion
- The Culminating Point of Victory
Book Eight: War Plans
- Introduction
- Absolute War and Real War
- Interdependence of the Elements of War
- Scale of the Military Objective and of the Effort to Be Made
- Closer Definition of the Military Objective: The Defeat of the Enemy
- Closer Definition of the Military Objective - Continued: Limited Aims
- The Effect of the Political Aim on the Military Objective
- War is an Instrument of Policy
- The Limited Aim: Offensive War
- The Limited Aim: Defensive War
- The Plan of a War Designed to Lead to the Total Defeat of the Enemy
The Art of War (Sun Tzu)
- Laying Plans
- Waging War
- Attack by Stratagem
- Tactical Dispositions
- Use of Energy
- Weak Points and Strong
- Maneuvering an Army
- Variation of Tactics
- The Army on the March
- Classification of Terrain
- The Nine Situations
- Attack by Fire
- Use of Spies
U.S. Marine Corps Doctrinal Publication - Campaigning
The Campaign
- Strategy
- Tactics
- Operations
- Strategic-Operational Connection
- Tactical-Operational Connection
- Interdependence of the Levels of War
- Campaigns
- Battles and Engagements
- A Comparative Case Study: Grant Versus Lee
- Policy
- Military Strategy
- Operations in 1864
- Tactics
- The Marine Corps and Campaigning
Designing the Campaign
- Supporting the Military Strategic Aim
- Campaigning Under an Annihilation Strategy
- Campaigning Under an Erosion Strategy
- Identifying the Enemy’s Critical Vulnerabilities
- The Campaign Concept
- Phasing the Campaign
- Conceptual, Functional, and Detailed Planning
- Conflict Termination
- Campaign Design: Two Examples
- Case Study: The Recapture of Europe, 1944-45
- Case Study: Malaysia, 1948-60
- The Campaign Plan
Conducting the Campaign
- Strategic Orientation
- The Use of Combat
- Perspective
- Surprise
- Tempo
- Synergy
- Command and Control
- Maneuver
- Fires
- Intelligence
- Logistics
- Force Protection
- Leadership
U.S. Marine Corps Doctrinal Publication - Command and Control
The Nature of Command and Control
- How Important is Command and Control?
- What is Command and Control?
- What is the Basis of Command and Control?
- What is the Relationship Between “Command” and “Control”?
- What Does it Mean to be “In Control”?
- Complexity in Command and Control
- What Makes Up Command and Control?
- What Does Command and Control Do?
- The Environment of Command and Control: Uncertainty and Time
- Command and Control in the Information Age
- Conclusion
Command and Control Theory
- Point of Departure: The OODA Loop
- The Information Hierarchy
- Image Theory
- The Command and Control Spectrum
- Leadership Theory
- Planning Theory
- Organization Theory
- Communications Theory
- Information Management Theory
- Decisionmaking Theory
- Conclusion
Creating Effective Command and Control
- The Challenges to the System
- Mission Command and Control
- Low-Level Initiative
- Commander’s Intent
- Mutual Trust
- Implicit Understanding and Communication
- Decisionmaking
- Information Management
- Leadership
- Planning
- Focusing Command and Control
- The Command and Control Support Structure
- Training, Education, and Doctrine
- Procedures
- Manpower
- Organization
- Equipment and Technology
- Conclusion
U.S. Marine Corps Doctrinal Publication - Competing
The Nature of Competition
- Competition Explained
- The Continuum
- War is a Special Kind of Competition
- Competition Contains Many of the Same Attributes as War
- Ambiguity
- Uncertainty
- Boundary Stretching
- Fluidity, Disorder, Complexity
- The Human Dimension
- The Art, Science, and Dynamic of Competition
- The Evolution of Competition
- Conclusion
The Theory of Competition
- Competition as an Act of Policy
- Competitive Advantage
- Competitors as Systems
- Means in Competition
- Attraction
- Coercion
- Information
- The Spectrum and Styles of Competition
- The Threshold of Violence
- Decision Making, Initiative, and Response
- Conclusion
Preparing for Competition
- Competition and the Marine Corps
- Campaigning Mindset
- Professionalism
- Education
- Talent Management
- Force Planning
- Conclusion
How Rivals Approach Competition
- The Test
- Differing Orientations
- Orientation’s Effect on the OODA Loop
- Language Shapes Behavior
- Culture
- How Rivals View the Competitive Environment
- Differing Approach to Competition Campaigning
- A Rival Concept for Competition
- The Idea of “Theory of Victory” Applied to Competition
- The Concept Illustrated
- Conclusion
The Conduct of Competition
- The Challenge
- Maneuver Warfare’s Influence
- Orienting on the Competitor
- Shaping the Action
- Combined Arms
- Campaign of Competition
- Conclusion
U.S. Marine Corps Doctrinal Publication - Expeditionary Operations
The Landscape: Chaos in the Littorals
- After the Cold War: The “New Anarchy”
- Crises: Disaster, Disruption, Dispute
- Fragmentation and Integration
- Major Regional Contingency
- Smaller-Scale Contingencies
- Nonstate Actors
- The Developing World
- Population Factors
- Urbanized Terrain
- The Importance of the Sea and the Littoral Regions
- Weaponry
- Conclusion
The Nature of Expeditionary Operations
- National Interests, Crisis Prevention, and Crisis Response
- Expeditionary Operations Defined and Discussed
- Reasons for Conducting Expeditionary Operations
- Sequence in Projecting Expeditionary Forces
- Expeditionary Mindset
- Naval Character
- Strategic Mobility: Closure Rate and Global Reach
- Operational Mobility
- Operational and Tactical Competence
- Sustainability
- Adaptability
- Reconstitution
- Cost-Effectiveness
- Conclusion
Expeditionary Organizations
- Naval Expeditionary Forces
- Marine Corps Forces Commands
- Marine Air-Ground Task Forces
- The Structure of the MAGTF
- The Marine Expeditionary Force
- The Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable)
- The Special Purpose MAGTF
- Maritime Prepositioning Forces
- Air Contingency Forces
- Marine Component Commands
- Standing Task Force Headquarters
- Conclusion
Expeditionary Concepts
- Operational Maneuver from the Sea
- Case Study: The Marianas, 1944
- Sustained Operations Ashore
- Case Study: The Persian Gulf, 1990-1991
- Military Operations Other Than War
- Case Study: Mogadishu, Somalia, 1991
- Maritime Prepositioning Force Operations
- Case Study: Saudi Arabia, 1990
- Conclusion
Epilogue
- Operation Littoral Chaos Case Study: West Africa, 2017-18
- Operation Littoral Chaos Conclusion
- Information Explained
- How Important is Information?
- Characteristics of the Information Environment
- How Competitors Approach Information
- Conclusion
- Informational Power
- Information and the Attributes of War
- What is an Information Advantage?
- Functions of Information
- The Cognitive and Functional Components of Military Objectives
- Information and Deception
- Conclusion
- Principles of the Information Warfighting Function
- Achieving Information Advantages
- Information Advantages across the Competition Continuum
- Conclusion
- Distinguishing the Information Warfighting Function
- Information and the Other Warfighting Functions
- Information in the Planning Process
- Prioritizing Information
- Leveraging all Capabilities, and Ally and Partner Networks
- Using Training Exercises for Real-World Effect
- Practicing Discipline in the Information Environment
- Command and Service Narrative
- Doctrine, Training, and Education
- Force Development and Design
- Conclusion
U.S. Marine Corps Doctrinal Publication - Intelligence
The Nature of Intelligence
- How Important is Intelligence?
- The Objectives of Intelligence
- Intelligence as Knowledge
- Intelligence as a Process
- Why the Mystery?
- What Makes Intelligence Different?
- Expectations of Intelligence
- Intelligence in the Information Age
- A Case Study: Desert Storm 1990-1991
- Conclusion
Intelligence Theory
- What Do We Want to Know About the Enemy?
- Characteristics of Good Intelligence
- Classes of Intelligence
- Capabilities Versus Intentions
- Signals and Noise
- Levels of Intelligence
- Intelligence Requirements
- Sources of Intelligence
- Functions of Intelligence
- Security
- The Intelligence Cycle
- A Case Study: Vietnam 1972
- Conclusion
Creating Effective Intelligence
- The Challenge to Intelligence
- Intelligence Is a Command Responsibility
- The Command-Intelligence Connection
- The Intelligence-Operations Connection
- Intelligence as a Team Effort
- Intelligence Is a Product, Not a Provision
- A Balanced Approach
- Focusing the Intelligence Effort
- Generating Tempo Through Intelligence
- Intelligence Education and Training
- A Case Study: Somalia 1992-1993
- Conclusion
U.S. Marine Corps Doctrinal Publication - Leading Marines
Our Ethos
- Making Marines: The Transformation
- Our Core Values
- Naval Character and Expeditionary Mindset
- Every Marine A
- Rifleman
- Faithfulness to Nation, Corps, and Each Other
- Marine Traditions
Foundations of Leadership
- The Relationship Between Leaders and Their Marines
- Leadership Traits
- Leadership Principles
- Morale
- Discipline
- Setting the Example
- Taking Charge
- Physical Courage
- Moral Courage
Overcoming Challenges
- Friction
- Moral Challenges
- Physical Challenges
- Adaptability and Innovation
- Decentralization
- Resiliency
- Trust and Failure
U.S. Marine Corps Doctrinal Publication - Learning
The Nature of Learning
- Learning and Competence
- The Role of Learning in Warfighting
- Key Principles of Learning
- The Human Dimension and Science of Learning
- Problem Solving as a Warfighting Capability
- The Mind as a Weapon
- Continuous Learners
- Conclusion
The Culture of Learning
- Organizational Culture
- Areas of Responsibility
- Professional
- Expectations
- Conclusion
The Learning Environment
- Learning Environments
- Setting the Conditions for Success
- The Expeditionary Nature of Learning
- A Learner-Centric Model
- Self-Directed Learning
- The Role of the Instructor
- Assessments as Tools
- Technology in Support of Learning
- Conclusion
The Learning Leader
- Foster and Encourage
- Teaching and Leading
- Humility
- Technical and Tactical Proficiency
- Conclusion
U.S. Marine Corps Doctrinal Publication - Logistics
The Nature of Logistics
- What is Logistics?
- The Evolution of Logistics
- Operational Context
- Logistics Characteristics
- Logistics as a Warfighting Function
- Logistics and Maneuver Warfare
- Conclusion
The Theory of Logistics
- Logistics Principles
- The Logistics Process
- Logistics Functions
- The Logistics System
- Sourcing Methods
- Distribution
- Testing the Theory
- Conclusion
The Logistics Enterprise
- Logistics and the Levels of Warfare
- Tactical Logistics
- Operational Logistics
- Strategic Logistics
- Roles and Responsibilities
- Conclusion
- Scenario Welcome to the Theater
Logistics Preparation
- Logistics and the Individual Marine
- Logistics Training and Education
- Logistics Considerations for Equipment
- Logistics Preparations for Deploying Forces
- Logistics Preparations over Time
- Conclusion
Logistics Planning and Execution
- Leadership
- Command and Control
- Logistics Planning
- Logistics Shaping Actions
- Logistics Visibility and Adjustments
- Risk
- Conclusion
U.S. Marine Corps Doctrinal Publication - Marine Corps Planning Process
Planning Overview
- Doctrinal Underpinnings
- Synopsis of the Marine Corps Planning Process
- Tenets of the Marine Corps Planning Process
Problem Framing
- Design
- Introduction to Marine Corps Design Methodology
- Commander’s Operational Approach
- Issue the Warning Order
- Staff Actions
- Considerations
Course of Action Development
- Develop Courses of Action
- Course of Action Development Brief
- Commander’s Wargaming Guidance and Evaluation Criteria
- Considerations
Course of Action War Game
- War Game Preparations
- War Game Techniques
- Conduct of the War Game
- Recording the War Game
- Refine Staff Estimates, Estimates of Supportability, and Supporting Concepts
- Prepare Course of Action War Game Brief
- Commander’s Comparison and Decision Guidance
- Considerations
Course of Action Comparison and Decision
- Prepare Course of Action Comparison and Decision Products
- Course of Action Comparison and Decision Discussion
- Commander’s Decision
- Update the Warning Order
- Considerations
Orders Development
- Refine the Concept of Operations
- Prepare the Order or Plan
- Orders Reconciliation
- Orders Crosswalk
- Approve the Order or Plan
- Considerations
Transition
- Transition Preparation
- Transition Events
- Transition Components
- Confirmation Briefs
U.S. Marine Corps Doctrinal Publication - Planning
The Nature of Planning
- Planning and Plans Defined
- The Value of Planning
- Categories of Military Planning
- Planning Takes Many Forms
- Planning as Command and Control
- The Functions of Planning and Plans
- Types of Plans
- Uncertainty and Time: Planning for an Unknowable Future
- Complexity: The Limits of Foresight and Design
- Planning Misused
- Conclusion
Planning Theory
- The Planning Process
- Analysis and Synthesis
- The Planning Hierarchy
- Modes of Planning
- Planning Parameters: Detail and Horizon
- Decision and Execution Planning
- Deliberate and Rapid Planning
- Forward and Reverse Planning
- Components of a Plan
- Tight and Loose Coupling
- Simplicity and Complexity
- Conclusion
Planning Effectively
- Planning in Maneuver Warfare
- Situational Factors
- Simple Plans
- Loose, Modular Plans
- Adaptive, Flexible Plans
- Timely Plans
- Planning in Time
- Planning as Shaping
- Continuous, Evolutionary Planning
- Participatory Planning
- Commanders and Planners
- Plans and Orders
- Conclusion
U.S. Marine Corps Doctrinal Publication - Strategy
The Strategic Environment
- The Nature of Politics and War
- Further Defining War
- The Nature of War-Making Political Entities
- The Trinity
Strategic Constants and Norms
- The Physical Environment
- National Character
- War and the State
- The Balance of Power Mechanism
Strategy: Ends and Means
- National Strategy
- Means in National Strategy
- Adapting Ends to Means, and Vice Versa
Ends in National Strategy
- Survival and Victory
- Political Objectives
Ends in Military Strategy
- Relationship Between Political and Military Objectives
- Distinguishing Between Erosion and Annihilation Strategies
Strategic Opposites
- Defensive and Offensive Strategies
- Symmetrical and Asymmetrical Strategies
- Deterrence: Strategies of Reprisal or Denial
- Standardized or Tailored Strategies
- Strategy by Intent or by Default
- Evaluating Opposing Strategies
The Making of Strategy
- Who Makes Strategy?
- Just War
The Strategy-Making Process
- The Strategic Assessment
- Political Objectives
- Military Objectives and the Means to Achieve Them
- Strategic Concepts
Strategy-Making Pitfalls
- Strategic Panaceas
- Emphasizing Process Over Product
- The Fait Accompli
- Limited and Unlimited Wars
- Paralysis and Recklessness
Our Legacy
- History
- Heritage
- Sustaining the Transformation
Preparing for the Future
- Firm Goals and Flexible Methods
- Maintaining our Reputation
Junior Enlisted Marines
- A Solid Foundation
- A Sense of Identity and Belonging
- Trust in Leadership
- Camaraderie and Unity
- Resilience and Perseverance
- Sustaining Self
- Sustaining Others
Noncommissioned Officers
- From Student to Teacher
- Seeing the Bigger Picture
- Considering Reenlistment
- Sustaining Self
- Sustaining Others
Staff Noncommissioned Officers
- Balance Personal Advancement with Servant Leadership
- Special Duty
- Sustaining Self
- Sustaining Others
- Warrant Officers
- Sustaining Self
- Sustaining Others
Company-Grade Officers
- Leading with Humility
- Confidence without Experience
- Sustaining Self
- Sustaining Others
Field-Grade Officers
- Continued Growth as a Leader
- Sustaining Self
- Sustaining Others
U.S. Marine Corps Doctrinal Publication - Tactics
Understanding Tactics
- An Art and A Science
- The Environment
- How We View Combat and How We Fight
- Marine Corps Tactics
- Conclusion
Achieving a Decision
- Anzio: A Model of Tactical Indecisiveness
- Cannae: A Clear Tactical Decision Achieved
- Understanding Decisiveness
- Military Judgment
- Understanding the Situation
- Acting Decisively
- Conclusion
Gaining Advantage
- Combined Arms
- Maneuver
- Exploiting the Environment
- Terrain
- Weather
- Periods of Darkness or Reduced Visibility
- Complementary Forces
- Surprise
- Trapping the Enemy
- Developing an Ambush Mentality
- Asymmetry
- Conclusion
Being Faster
- Speed in Combat
- What is Speed?
- Speed and Time
- Timing
- Relative Speed
- Continuing Speed
- Speed and Change
- Becoming Faster
- Conclusion
Adapting
- Anticipation
- Improvisation
- Flexible Plans
- Decentralization
- Conclusion
Cooperating
- Control in Combat
- Cooperation
- Discipline
- Conclusion
Exploiting Success and Finishing
- Building on Advantage
- Consolidation, Exploitation, and Pursuit
- Finishing the Enemy
- Use of the Reserve in Combat
- Conclusion
Making it Happen
- Doctrine
- Education
- Training
- Conclusion
Training and Educational Methods
- Professional Reading and Historical Study
- Tactical Exercises
- Wargaming
- Terrain Walks
- Competition
- Critiques
U.S. Marine Corps Doctrinal Publication - Warfighting
The Nature of War
- War Defined
- Friction
- Uncertainty
- Fluidity
- Disorder
- Complexity
- The Human Dimension
- Violence and Danger
- Physical, Moral, and Mental Forces
- The Evolution of War
- The Science, Art, and Dynamic of War
- Conclusion
The Theory of War
- War As an Act of Policy
- Means in War
- The Spectrum of Conflict
- Levels of War
- Initiative and Response
- Styles of Warfare
- Combat Power
- Speed and Focus
- Surprise and Boldness
- Centers of Gravity and Critical Vulnerabilities
- Creating and Exploiting Opportunity
- Conclusion
Preparing for War
- Force Planning
- Organization
- Doctrine
- Professionalism
- Training
- Professional Military Education
- Personnel
- Management
- Equipping
- Conclusion
The Conduct of War
- The Challenge
- Maneuver Warfare
- Orienting on the Enemy
- Philosophy of Command
- Shaping the Action
- Decisionmaking
- Mission Tactics
- Commander’s Intent
- Main Effort
- Surfaces and Gaps
- Combined Arms
- Conclusion
Why We Fight (Christopher Blattman)
The Roots of War
- Why We Don’t Fight
- Unchecked Interests
- Intangible Incentives
- Uncertainty
- Commitment Problems
- Misperceptions
The Paths to Peace
- Interdependence
- Checks and Balances
- Rules and Enforcement
- Interventions
- Wayward Paths to War and Peace
- Conclusion: The Peacemeal Engineer