U.s. Army War College

The Principles of War in the 21st Century (Defense) U.s. Army War College

The US is considered the world?s sole superpower. However, America has recently suffered setbacks and faces dangerous foes intent on its destruction. Many strategists regard the Principles of War as the bedrock of US military doctrine; others suggest that they should be discarded. Some aspects of the 21st Century battlefields have changed considerably, while others aspects remain unchanged since time immemorial. Is there an immutable nature to the Principles of War as well - or should they be discarded? This SRP offers a historical campaign analysis of three major amphibious operations that had unique and distinctly different outcomes because of commanders? applications of the Principles of War. Current battles are then analyzed with the same methodology to discern if there are recurring trends in present day warfare, if there are distinguishable developing trends, and whether the Principles of War are still applicable.