Fighting in the Medium of Time: The Dynamics of Operational Tempo
Anthony M Coroalles
Synopsis "Fighting in the Medium of Time: The Dynamics of Operational Tempo"
This paper analyzes the concept of operational tempo from the Soviet perspective. It examines the nature of high-tempo operations, the dynamics of these operations, and proposes ways to counter a future Soviet high-tempo operation in Europe. By nature, high-tempo operations are designed to defeat the enemy primarily in the medium of time. That is, they aim at depriving the enemy of time in order to pre-empt his actions. Physical attrition and seizure of terrain are of secondary importance when compared to gaining of time over the enemy. Soviet organizations, operations, and tactics all support a doctrine here time is of primary importance. Echelonment, deep operations, OMGs, deception, and the emphasis on achieving surprise arc outward manifestations of this doctrine and share the primacy of time as a common denominator. Countering high tempo operations in Europe will be difficult. The nature of the theater, the operational constraints imposed by a strategy of deterrence, and the political constraints present drive NATO forces into an operational pattern based on attrition at the operational level and maneuver at the tactical level. The implications are that in order to overcome their operational shortcomings NATO forces must be greatly superior tactically to Soviet forces.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
