Universal Applicability of Operational Functions in Military Campaigns

Operational Functions

Space, time, and force are what characterize operational functions, and as such they are absolutely fundamental concepts to consider when planning and executing any major military operation or campaign. Operational functions are the backbone of such campaigns and thus have universal applicability in all the ways of war. There should be a balance of space, time and force in terms of their relation and application to the mission’s objectives.

The balance of these factors is important since each has its own effect on an operation. The factor of space involves geographical considerations and the positioning of forces, which directly impacts the maneuverability and logistical support of the military units involved. The factor of time impacts the duration of the operation and the timing of actions, which affects the degree to which an operation can be maintained or an enemy’s vulnerabilities exploited. Time is of the essence, in other words—and so too are space and force. Force represents combat power, readiness, morale, and logistical support??. All three have to be considered if a campaign is going to be serious.

That is because every military operation, regardless of its scale or context, has to address these factors in the planning stages and in the execution. During the Leyte Gulf campaign in World War II, time-space-force considerations are what enabled the Allied forces to achieve their objectives against the Japanese fleet??.

Military operations are also both active and reactive in nature, and time-space-force considerations are in a constant flux. Commanders and planners have to be mindful their relation at any given time, because synchronization among the three must be attainable—and if it is not the operation can be jeopardized. A campaign that is lacking in any one of the three core considerations is a campaign set up to fail.