The Theory of Culminating Point, Part II

Abstract:

It is a point at which attacking forces are unable to continue their attack or even defend themselves, because do casualties, shortages of fuel, ammunition and rations, and sheer physical exhaustion. This sequel article deals with the theory of the operational art focusing on the culminating point operational concept. The article emanates from Carl von Clausewitz's ideas and concepts described in his book "On War", doctrinal publications analysis and study projects of the operational art theorists. It treats conditions influencing achievement of the culminating point on single levels of war—strategic, operational and tactical and highlights coherences and factors having fundamental influences on culmination. The article is accompanied by several graphs describing this theory in detail. Key words: Culmination, Culminating Point, Zeroing, Intelligence Preparation of the Battlespace, Campaign Planning and Developing Operations.

Jan Spisak, PhD. (Col ret.), born 1958. He graduated from the Land Forces Military College
in Vyškov (1983), Brigade Command Course (2001) and General Staff Course in Brno (2007). Between 1995-2016 he worked in command, staff and teaching positions at the Land forces up to division level, Directorate of Training and Doctrine and the University of Defense. Currently he works as a head of Department of Military Strategic Studies at the Centre for Security and Military-Strategic Studies. He deals with the issues of military art, scenarios of the use of forces and development of military concepts. He is the author and co-author of several monographs and a number of professional articles in domestic and foreign magazines.

 

Country: Czech Republic

17/10/2022

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