Military Operational Art and Design

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."
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.
a. (5 pts) In your words, describe the operational environment. [Do not exceed one-half of a typed, double-spaced page.]
The operational environment is the solid understanding of the problem at hand while describing the strategy for achieving the end state. The operational approach is a methodology and tool to construct a viable approach in iteratively understanding the problems to support staff and commanders in the application of operation arts with methodology and tools to construct and conceivable viable approaches to campaign and operations. The operation was the large part of North African campaign involving the British Eight Army in Egypt. Analysis of the M/NATO operational environment reveals that Vichy French Forces controlled Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco while the Axis Combat Forces (German and Italian) occupied Western Egypt and Libya. However, some Axis Service Troops were stationed in Tunisia. The Allied UK Forces stationed in Malta, Egypt and Gibraltar. The geographical scope of Operation TORCH is limited to Algeria, Fr. Morocco, Tunisia and adjacent waters since TORCH includes a major operation carried out in North Africa and Mediterranean theater of operation. Typically, M/NATO was important both for Allies and Axis because it secured or exposed the soft underbelly of Europe. Since Operation TORCH plays an important role in the North African Theater Campaign, its characterized by specific dynamics and challenges.
b. (5 pts) In your own words, describe the Allies' M/NATO theater-level desired end state. [Your answer should be one to five sentences.]
The theater-level desired end state of the Allies’ M/NATO is to develop more vigorous lines of supplies and communication. This desired end state can be realized through securing Suez Canal given that one of the operation’s major challenges is the lack of effective supply and communication lines to secure Suez Canal. The theater-level desired end state can be achieved through preventing the Axis from accessing oil by shortening the route from Britain, which will in turn make the Axis vulnerable and weak.
c. (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.]
The problem or obstacle preventing the Allies from achieving their end state is the lack of communication and supply lines. Due to lack of suitable lines of communication and supplies, the Allies’ operations are significantly hindered. As a result of this problem, the Allies are forced to utilize attack and push technique, which restrict their operations to a few miles from their operational base i.e. Alexandria. While the Allies only route is via the Cape of Good Hope, they are unable to get necessary supplies because this route is extremely long. The shorter routes through Mediterranean SLOCs are not accessible to the Allies because they have been blocked by the Axis, which complicates access to supplies.
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.]
The M/NATO center of gravity is the deterioration of weather that can prevent the Allied Forces reaching their end state. It is essential to realize that weather condition such as the strong wind can prevent the Allied force at sea to reach the shore thereby stationing at the sea. The weather can also prevent the Air Force from launching their operations successfully because the foggy weather will prevent the pilot seeing clearly, which will jeopardize the M/NATO operation. The weather condition will also lead to a loss of tactical surprise, and limit the escorts and convoy remaining at sea. The inability to prevent enemy’s reinforcement is another issue that can prevent the Allied forces reaching their end state since the prevention of the Axis reinforcement is very important in achieving the Allied forces objectives. The other issue that can prevent the Allied forces reaching their end state is the lack of suitable lines of communication and supplies for their operations.
a. (3 pts) What is the Axis desired end state (not objectives)? [Your answer should be one to five sentences.]
The Axis’ desired end state is to cut the Suez Canal in order to cut the British lines of communication and supply as well as prevent them getting access to the Western Mediterranean. The other desired end state of the Axis is to weaken the capabilities of the Allied forces to secure the Suez Canal since British forces heavily depended on the Canal for access of oil and other essential raw materials for their operations. Additionally, the Axis’ desired end state is to use the Italian Ally’s operations and forces in Egypt.
b. (12 pts) Complete the quad chart below. Type your answers into the 4 text boxes; the text boxes will expand to fit your answer.
c. (3 pts) Provide a justification for the responses you provided in part b [About 1-5 sentences]:
The Axis operation as they face the Allies is characterized by some strengths and weaknesses that have major impacts on the outcome of the operation. The Axis have the advantages of strategic positioning that make it easy for them to obtain supplies with ease through Tunisia in comparison to the Allies. The strategic positioning advantage is evident in the fact that the Allies are forced to take the longer route of the Cape of Good Hope to access supplies unlike the Axis. In addition, the Axis have an alliance with the Nazis, which helps to enhance their operations. However, they have issues like lack of a strategic base of resupply of resources and effective working intelligence to enhance their operations.
Inadequate supplies and strategic bases
Poor intelligence
British-Spanish connection
Effective communication
Supply of the resources
Intelligence and planning
Strategic alliance
Strategic positioning
Control and dominance
Minimal exposure
Strategic position
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.]
The operational approach of the Allied forces to achieve their desired theater end state is the use of attack and push method. They utilize this approach because of the numerous difficulties they encounter in attempts to obtain critical supplies and resources for their operations. The attack and push technique is an operational approach of the Allied forces because shorter routes for accessing supplies have been blocked by the Axis. The Commander in Chief in charge of the operation considers the attack and push method suitable towards achieving the desired theater end state because of the challenges in establishing robust communication and supply lines for the Allied forces.
While the Allied forces have been forced to utilize this operational approach by the prevailing circumstances, it’s inappropriate because they will easily run short of supplies and experience challenges in accessing more supplies on time. The unsuitability of this approach creates the need for a different operational approach that will weaken the Axis and enhance the operations of the Allied forces. The most suitable alternative is for the Allied forces is to weaken the enemy’s communication and supply lines in order to render them weak. This can be achieved through the use of submarines and aircrafts to cut transportation of supplies and reinforcements via Tunis and Tripoli.
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 military end state for Operation TORCH is to gain control of the wider North African Region beginning from areas near the Atlantic to those in the Red Sea. This would represent the achievement of all military objectives of Operation TORCH through combined operations between Military forces and the Allied forces. Controlling the larger North African region is the military end state for Operation TORCH since this kind of operation is primarily a way of creating an effective campaign with Casablanca as well as Oran-Algiers regions. To this extent, one of the objectives of the military is to develop mutually and firmly supported lodgments in the Casablanca for ongoing intensification of ground operations.
This military end state for Operation TORCH will be realized through complete destruction of the Axis, which has significantly hindered and affected operations of the Allied forces. The complete destruction of the Axis requires an effective strategic position for intense sea and air operations that are mostly common in Europe. Moreover, the military end state for Operation TORCH requires joint campaign involving land, sea, and air operations.
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.]
The identification of the M/NATO center of gravity is critical in Operation TORCH. The poor weather condition can result in a loss of tactical surprise, and limiting the escorts and make the convoy remaining at sea. Inability to prevent enemy’s reinforcement as well as lack of communication and supply lines can prevent the Allied forces reaching their end state since these are critical factors towards achieving the objectives of the Allied forces. On one hand, the deterioration of weather conditions such as strong wind can make Allied forces remained station at the sea and unable to launch their operations because of foggy weather. On the other hand, the lack of effective communication and supply lines hinder the ability of the Allied forces to cut reinforcements and supplies to the Axis. Consequently, the Allied forces are unable to significantly destroy the Axis, which is a crucial aspect towards the success of the Allied forces.
a. (3 pts) What is the Allied main objective(s) at the operational level for TORCH? [Your answer should be one to five sentences.]
The Allied forces main objective is to completely destroy the Axis forces through vigorously exploiting the lodgments to gain control of the areas the include Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco. In this case, the Allied forces need to secure the Port of Bone, the Port of Algier, and the Port of Oran. The Allied forces also aimed to facilitate ground and air operations against the enemy.
b. (12 pts) Complete the quad chart below. Type your answers into the 4 text boxes; the text boxes will expand to fit your answer.
Leaked intelligence
Poor communication lines
Poor coordination
Effective communication lines
Strategic base
Effective planning
Effective planning
Intelligence
Strategic alliance

c. (3 pts) Provide a justification for the responses you provided in part b [About 1-5 sentences]:
Allied forces are adequately equipped with knowledge and skills that enhances their planning and intelligence because of the strong alliances of British and American forces. The Allied forces require a strategic base and effective communication lines in order to capitalize on their effective planning and intelligence. However, the poor coordination, poor communication, and leaked intelligence could be harmful to the operations of the Allied forces, especially if intelligence is leaked to the Axis.
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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.]
The TORCH plan is to use the aggregate Assault Forces that consists of Regimental Combat Teams, Assault Load and Light armored forces. The strategy is to use the simultaneous assaults at ALGIERS, ORAN, and BONE in order to secure the Port of ORAN, TAFAROUI and LA SENIA. Additionally, the Allied force will use the U.S. Regimental Combat Team to have a treat with French Authorities wishing to collaborate. The Allied forces will also use the available troops such as American forces and British forces to attack the strategic-level enemy COG. Moreover, the Allied forces will use the air force to protect the communication. The aviation will support the assaults of ALGIERS and ORAN. The Allied forces will seek for the assistance of the carrier based fighters who will be flown from GIBRALTAR. The bombers will come from the United Kingdom to secure the bases, and long ranged fighters will establish emergency reliefs in the United Kingdom in case GIBRALTAR is rendered untenable. The naval force will be used to support military force to achieve their objectives. The assault shipping will be used to attack the enemy. The air assault will also be used to capture airdromes with the intent to attack the Strategic-level enemy.
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.]

Tunisia is the strategic location and the Allied forces can secure the aerodromes and ports to build a strong air and land forces. The occupation of the Bizerta-Tunis will assist in eliminating one-third of enemy strength.
a. (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].

• Establish a firm and mutually lodgments in the Oran-Algiers-Tunis and Casablanca area to continue the intensification of sea, air, and ground operations.
• To vigorously acquire complete control of French Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria, and facilitate effective ground and air operations against the enemy in order to create favorable conditions for offensive operations towards Libya against the Axis Forces.
• To completely annihilate the enemy forces.
b. (4 pts) Justify these decisive points by linking them to the CRs and CVs of the operational or theater level COGs.
The ability of the Allied fierce to defeat the enemy is to have critical resources at their disposal because if they are short of the critical resources, the enemy will take advantage of this to gain control of the Allied Forces. While the deterioration of weather condition was not preventable, the Allied Forces still need to make an alternative plan in case of a bad weather. The critical resources such as communication, transportation, crude oil and combatant forces are to be made available at all time because they are essential requirement to achieve the end state. Additionally, effective communication and supply lines are critical requirements to support the strategic positioning and effective planning advantages of the Allied forces as they attack the enemy. Without these critical resources, the Allied forces will be relatively unable to destroy the Axis because they would be weak to carry out effective operations.
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.]

Achieving the project objective depend on a mutual cooperation of the Allied Forces. Moreover, the cooperation of land, air, naval forces is critical for the success of operation because of the need for joint campaigns to destroy the enemy. However, if the land and air forces fail to cooperate, the enemy can take the advantage of the loophole to weaken the Allied Forces which may jeopardize the operation. Non-availability of the critical resources can also jeopardize the operation, if there is a lack of effective communication and access to necessary materials.

a. (3 pts) List possible events which might induce Allied culmination of Operation TORCH forces short of achieving their operational objective without being defeated.
• Lack of critical resources
• Bad weather conditions
• Non-cooperation among the Allied Forces
• Poor communication
• Poor military tactics
• Poor knowledge of warfare terrain
• Lack of support of local people
• Allies withdrawal
b. (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).
The major strength of Operation TORCH is the alliance between British and American forces, which implies that the withdrawal or non-cooperation of any of these allies will significantly impact the success and operations of the Allied forces. Bad weather conditions and lack of critical resources would contribute to defeat through making it difficult for the Allied forces to access necessary resources and weakening their operations. Poor knowledge of the warfare terrain and lack of support from locals would hinder success of the operation through making it difficult for the Allied forces to navigate the operational environment. Poor communication and poor military tactics will hinder the capability of the Allied forces to engage the Axis, coordinate their operations, and weaken the force.
Operation TORCH Allied CoG Matrix
Critical Capabilities
Center of Gravity:
Critical Requirements:
Critical Vulnerabilities
Adversary N. Africa theater CoG Matrix
Critical Capabilities
Center of Gravity:
Critical Requirements:
Critical Vulnerabilities