English

DTIC ADA264420: Battlefield Dispersion: The Hidden Dimension in the Principle of Mass

This monograph explores the origins of the principle of mass and its components: numerical strength, combat power and the decisive point. It concludes that the Napoleonic legacy of the principle of mass has not kept pace with modern battlefield dispersion and the evolutionary diffusion of the decisive point. Therefore, leaders must consider the nature of battlefield dispersion in order to understand the utility of the principle of mass under modern conditions. Jomini defined the principle of mass as bringing superior numbers upon the decisive point. FM 100-5 substitutes combat power for numbers, acknowledging the impact of weapons technology on the nature of war. However, the definition of decisive point remains largely unchanged from that of Jomini-- generally either a geographic or force-oriented point. While geographic decisive points remain somewhat the same, the force-oriented decisive point has undergone considerable change from the time of Jomini.

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