Sequencing Operations

This monograph investigates that portion of operational art known as "sequencing operations". The purpose of sequencing operations is to determine when, where, how, and for what purpose the available military means will be employed within a theater of operations to achieve the stated campaign objective. The concept of sequencing operations involves the employment of forces by anticipating their effects and ordering them in time and space to produce conditions that contribute to Operational success. This study approaches this investigation from both a theoretical and historical perspective. The works of Tukhachevsky, supplemented by appropriate elements of Clausewitz and Jomini are analyzed to derive theoretical concepts related to the sequencing of operations. Manstein's 1942-43 winter campaign in Russia is used as a case study of a model campaign. The theoretical concepts and Manstein's experiences are then synthesized to postulate an Operational framework for sequencing defensive operations. Within the context of this framework, considerations for sequencing operations by sequential and simultaneous tactical operations are discussed. While the discussion of the framework centers on the NATO environment, a brief analysis of its application to a low intensity conflict scenario is presented in an appendix.