Combat Operations Success - 1438 Words

During combat operations, success can take on many definitions. Seizing the objective, destroying the enemy or defending the hill are all examples of military operations that are assigned a task and purpose that must be completed. Within each task could lay hidden problems that must be identified and mitigated to facilitate mission accomplishment. Should a problem be misinterpreted or ignored, mission failure coupled with unwarranted friendly casualties will be the inevitable outcome. Of the six lessons in the C100 block of instruction, I consider the discussion on critical reasoning and problem solving to be the most career shaping discussion. As a field grade staff officer, I believe that one of the fundamental components to†¦show more content†¦It is in these situations where the ability to think unconventionally will be of the greatest value to mission success. Consider the following discussion in Field Manual 5.0: Creative or innovative thinking is the kind of thinking that leads to new insights, novel approaches, fresh perspectives, and whole new ways of understanding and conceiving things. Creative thinking in not a mysterious gift, nor does it have to be outlandish. It is not reserved for senior officers; all leaders should think creatively.2 The plausible argument may arise that creative thinking wastes time and resources and the fastest proven solution is to complete the task the way it was successfully done in the past. However, if the situation changes and time is available to re-evaluate the plan, the leader should seize this opportunity. By doing so, the leader improves the probability of success creating an environment where the initiative is maintained and the weaknesses of the enemy are exploited. An equally important attribute that Army officers must embrace, is the ability to continuously assess the situation through every stage of the operation. The assessment process begins in the planning phase of the operation and does not end until the mission has been completed. Assessment is composed of two tasks, monitoring and evaluation. Monitoring is defined as â€Å"Continuous observation of the currentShow MoreRelatedColonel (Col) Michael Steele’s Toxic Principles934 Words   |  4 PagesColonel (Col) Michael Steele’s resolute beliefs regarding how to prepare his unit for combat and his bravado demeanor commanded respect from other bemused military officers. While serving as Commanding Officer (CO), 3rd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, Col Steele aggressively cultivated a command climate focused on three core principles: personal protection, precision, and lethality. 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These inspections build unit cohesiveness and prevent carelessness, lax, and complacencyRead MoreOperation Desert Storm Was Viewed By Military Strategists1388 W ords   |  6 Pageson American allies and partners in the regions of Iraq and Syria, the U.S. and over 60 nations and partner organizations created a U.S.-led global coalition, OPERATION INHERENT RESOLVE (OIR), aimed at degrading and destroying threats posed by ISIL. Combat operations alone will not result in the degradation and destruction of ISIL. Operation Desert Storm was viewed by military strategists as the first of a new generation of conflicts where victory is no longer ensured only by physical force, butRead MorePaper on The Mission, The Men, and Me1011 Words   |  5 Pageshear their stories on the battlefield and what secrets lead them to success. A young future military officer may not have the opportunity to meet such great leaders or have the time to interview them but what they do have is time to read. 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