User:Cernnunos Gunn/Old user page/Asymmetric Warfare - Doctrine: Difference between revisions

==Introduction==

This discussion about the doctrine of asymmetric warfare is a general introduction to the topic as it applies to the reality of New Eden. A global definition of asymmetric warfare is: War between belligerents whose relative power differs significantly, or whose strategy or tactics differ significantly. While old, this will serve for our purpose. You may find it interesting that in current modern application, the term is no longer useful and has been largely replaced by more narrow, specific terms.  

Effective doctrine explains how we expect to fight and operate based on past experience and a best guess of what lies ahead. Doctrine:

The narrow definition of doctrine is "fundamental principles by which the military forces of elements thereof guide their actions in support of Corporate objectives. It is authoritative but requires sound judgement in application". (US Joint publication 1-02, DoD - non-classified)

E-Uni doctrine should provide an operational concept, a philosophy of how the ILN operates. In doing so, doctrine must reconcile operational requirements with the force's perceived strengths. Fleets operate best when capitalizing on demonstrated capabilities and asymmetric strengths. History is replete with examples of fleet failures occasioned by attempts to match an enemy's style of warfare despite friendly forces being ill-suited to the challenge.

Tactics deals with how units are employed during combat. The actual application of tactics is highly circumstantial and is both a science and art. The science of tactics encompasses the understanding of those military aspects of tactics - capabilities, techniques, and procedures - that can be measured and codified. The art of tactics consists of three interrelated aspects: the creative and flexible array of means to accomplish assigned missions; decision making under conditions of uncertainty when faced with an intelligent enemy; and understanding the human dimension - the effects of combat on pilots. The unit commander invokes the art of tactics to solve problems within his or her FC's intent by choosing from interrelated options, such as forms of maneuver, tactical mission tasks, and arrangement and choice of control measures (gate camps, offensive or defensive patrols, scouts, etc).

Tactics are whatever we do against an opponent when we arrange forces to counter them. What differentiates tactics against an asymmetric enemy is that we might not have ever used that particular combination of options before, or we may have to incorporate new & novel options to counter asymmetry. When confronted by a situation, leaders must choose from a variety of possible solutions and adopt their solution to circumstances at the point of engagement.

Techniques are the general, detailed methods fighters and commanders use to perform assigned missions and functions, specifically methods of fitting and using ships and the roles those ships play on the battlefield. Procedures are standard and detailed courses of action that describe how to perform tasks. Every competent military force adapts. Units modify techniques and procedures constantly according to circumstance and knowledge gained through experience. This instrument - the techniques and procedures that should be in constant flux according to changing political and tactical environments, is what is commonly referred to as standard operating procedures, or SOPs, and at a minimum these need to be reviewed and changed whenever a new combat technique, ship type, or change in the mechanics of wars and declaring them, occur in Eve.

German military theorist Carl von Clausewitz noted that uncertainty is fundamental to warfare. To some greater or lesser degree, uncertainty might be lessened as a function of improved command & control, and intelligence; but it cannot be eliminated. Uncertainty is an enduring facet of warfare and arises from -

Certainly evidence exists that the potential for asymmetric operations increases as a function of the number of potential conflicts and combinations of opponents, technical means, cultural preconceptions, and values. In short - with the new war dec system CCP has implemented, the potential for war in general and asymmetric warfare in particular has vastly increased for Eve University.

Dealing with the unexpected requires adjustment to the actual situation. '''''To the degree that doctrine becomes overly proscriptive, it becomes irrelevant.''''' Worse, it instills in the command a penchant for proceeding "by the book" whether warranted by circumstances or not. Doctrine must embrace a philosophy of initiative and creative thinking to counter uncertainty. The more asymmetric the opponent, the more important this is. Training must complement a philosophy of operations that emphasizes uncertainty and training doctrine must stress pilots and leaders by putting them in unfamiliar circumstances and forcing them to think creatively.