On 12 July 1813, representatives from Austria, Prussia, Sweden, and Russia met at Trachenberg Palace in western Poland to plan the upcoming campaign against Napoleon.
A superb display of a broad base of (historical) knowledge, and a mind sharpened for synthesis—I applaud you in possessing this rare combination. Great article.
Would it be possible to have a situation in which information presented to the commander in such a way that he is naturally more prone to conduct operations in an algorithmic manner?
Maybe by emphasizing the various possible enemy courses of action and the optimal way to respond (assuming one knows that). But increased uncertainty can also incline some commanders to exercise more positive control.
I suddenly had the image of a campaign prosecuted entirely by sealed envelope, with conditions printed on each one for when and in what order to open, like a pre-programmed decision tree that has to be handed out before the fight even begins.
Simplicity first! A decision tree for the entire campaign (vs. individual components in one phase) is probably possible in some cases, but that makes it vulnerable to the unforeseen.
A favorite conversation with a U.S. Army Major while working as a civilian Subject Matter Expert for an Army exercise was his answer that “we have a plan so that we know what we are deviating from.”
A superb display of a broad base of (historical) knowledge, and a mind sharpened for synthesis—I applaud you in possessing this rare combination. Great article.
Thank you Tyler, very kind.
That's a hugely comprehensive article, thank you.
Would it be possible to have a situation in which information presented to the commander in such a way that he is naturally more prone to conduct operations in an algorithmic manner?
In which information IS presented to the commander.... ugh
Maybe by emphasizing the various possible enemy courses of action and the optimal way to respond (assuming one knows that). But increased uncertainty can also incline some commanders to exercise more positive control.
I suddenly had the image of a campaign prosecuted entirely by sealed envelope, with conditions printed on each one for when and in what order to open, like a pre-programmed decision tree that has to be handed out before the fight even begins.
Simplicity first! A decision tree for the entire campaign (vs. individual components in one phase) is probably possible in some cases, but that makes it vulnerable to the unforeseen.
A favorite conversation with a U.S. Army Major while working as a civilian Subject Matter Expert for an Army exercise was his answer that “we have a plan so that we know what we are deviating from.”
It is impractical, but it could be a fun game or thought experiment. The unforseen will really mess things up, true.