The Different Phases of Military Actions

As a former U.S. Marine, I will try and explain what I learned when it comes to military strategy and potential military actions.  I report this from experience and not as someone privy to information given to congress the president or any governmental official.

The first thing that would normally happen is information is discovered about a potential need for military actions and at that time military leaders are asked for options that may address a multitude of different scenarios.  These scenarios normally will encompass every possible action and outcome down to the final detail.  They are then presented and discussed in detail but no final decision is made at that time.  Information is continually gathered and accessed and the plans previously discussed are updated and revised.  The more diverse group that you have at the table during these discussions, the better the outcome will normally be and that is because you have the perfect opportunity to take into consideration all concerns from all angles.  Each objection to one idea or another is recorded and will be used to complete the final phase of the planning stage.

Since many situations require a no-fly zone this will probably be stage two of the plan.  This is necessary to allow your planes or those of your allies to fly over a particular area or zone without the fear of being shot down.  This can not be done just by telling the hostile nation that you have established it, it has to be done by knocking out any and all artillery batteries which could take down the fighters.  Unfortunately some of those batteries may be manned and there may be casualties.  This would have been part of stage one and gone into the planning.  Once the no fly zone is cleared of any weapons which could bring down the fighters and those planes which are used to patrol that zone is safe, this stage is over and, if necessary, the next stage begins.

This stage is the ground game or boots on the ground stage where troops are allowed and authorized to go from location to location securing the territory.  Once a piece of territory is secured a supply depot is set up and it begins all over again.  This continues until the entire territory is secured or the ground units are recalled.  Ground units being recalled normally means that the conflict is over or the territory is no longer required in the total scheme of things.  It should be mentioned that during the last two stages mentioned, the plan is being revised from recommendations from the officials on the ground and in the air.  It should also be mentioned that one of the most important parts of all this is the support and supply system which should be set-up prior to any confrontation.  The support system can be anything from supplying arms to intelligence to unmanned aircraft.

The final stage is the withdrawal and sometimes could be the most dangerous of all the stages.  The plan must include a contingency for protection for those withdrawing to prevent an attack while much of the munitions used are being boxed up for return to their designated armories and the forces may be a little distracted. Because wars and military actions/conflicts are intangible there are things that can go very wrong and delay any one of these stages or prolong them.  Those operating in this theater must be flexible and able to adapt at a moments notice so no plan in the world will go as planned.  What may appear iron-clad on paper may not worth a hill of beans in the field.