Winning the Fight: A Conceptual Framework for Combat Performance Enhancement

Introduction
	The Problem: Preparing for the Unexpected
	The First Priority: Repairing Organizational Dysfunction
	The Cause of Organizational Dysfunction… Blindness
A Framework for Combat Performance Enhancement
	Step 1: Recognize the Presence of Dysfunction
		Mistakes vs. Dysfunction
		Controllable vs. Uncontrollable
		Searching for Dysfunction with the “Spot Check” Method
		The Error of Viewing Dysfunction as Empirical Law
	Step 2: Diagnose the Dysfunction
		Functional Model for the Military Machine
		Diagnosing Dysfunction Along a Causal Chain
		The Importance of Considering Multiple Influences
		Which Cause is Most Critical and Which is Most Changeable?
	Step 3: Prescribe Specific Actions to Repair Dysfunction
		Identifying Leverage Points in the Context of Time Constraints
		Developing Pattern Recognition through Training and Wargaming
		Developing Pattern Recognition with Historical Case Studies
		Measuring Results
	Step 4: Anticipate Obstacles and Develop Counters
	Summary: From Concept to Application
Application of the Functional Model
Strategy
	Common Misconceptions about Strategy
	The Nine Elements of Strategy
		Theory of Victory
		Prioritized Threats or Goals
		Resource Allocation
		Comparative Capabilities Forecast
		Strengths and Weaknesses
		Constraints
		Enemy Perspective
		Contingencies
		Outcomes
	Training Strategists: Strategic Science vs. Strategic Genius
Defense
	Defense Fundamentals
		Strategic and Operational Threat Assessment
		Enemy Courses of Action and Contingency Planning
	Cyclical Interplay Between Operations and Intelligence
	Intelligence Planning and Indicators
		Planning for the Reserve
		Indicators and Alert Levels
	Wargaming and Backwards Planning
	Counterattack
Intelligence
	Interaction of Intelligence and Operations
	The Intelligence Cycle
	Mechanics of the Intelligence System
		Requirements List
		Common Operating Picture
		Intelligence Products and Reports
	The Battle for Intelligence
		Denial, Deception and Offensive Counterintelligence
		Reconnaissance and the Fight for Intelligence on the Battlefield
	The Art of Intelligence and Common Pitfalls
Planning
	Planning Timeline and Backwards Planning
	Subordinate Unit Initiative in the Planning Process
	Flattening the Orders Process
	Collaborative Planning
	Risk Assessment, Course of Action Development and Contingencies
	Briefings and Written Orders
Offense
	Objectives in the Offense
		Breaking of the Enemy’s Will
		Deterrence
		Political De-legitimization
		Direct Attack on the Population
		Annihilation of the Enemy Force
		Capturing and Holding Key Terrain
		Attriting the Enemy Force
		Operational Shock
		Strangulation
		Regime Change
		Multiple Objectives
	Operational Methods
		Combined Arms
		Maneuver Warfare vs. Synchronization Warfare
		Targeting
	Initiative in the Offense
		Simultaneity
		Local Superiority and Defeat in Detail
	Mobility in Offensive Operations
		Assembling for Attack
		Mobility and March Order
		Deployment into Assault Formation
		Fighting for the Objective and Sustaining the Advance
Training and Selection
	The Four Pillars of Effective Training
		Proper Mindset
		Situational Awareness
		Skill Proficiency
		Physical Fitness
	Mastering the Basics
		Noel Burch’s Four Stages of Learning
		Spontaneous Creative Action vs. Conditioned Response
		Repetitive Drill
	Variable Patterns
	Competitive Scenarios
	Multi-Media Sequencing
	Prioritization and Tracking
	Common Indicators of Poor Training
	Selection
Conclusion