Tactical objective

Abstract: : Given ongoing conflicts and the likelihood of executing counterinsurgency in the future, it is vital to conduct effective campaign planning for counterinsurgency. Effective campaign planning is essential for rapid and effective operational and tactical adaptation. Center of gravity analysis is a tool that can be used to support these activities. This monograph validates the hypothesis that there are multiple centers of gravity in counterinsurgency that vary by the insurgent's purpose, location, approach, and phase. Leaders and planners need to place centers of gravity in their proper context. Countering an insurgency requires understanding the operational environment, which is referred to here as a mosaic. Fighting an insurgency or multiple insurgencies is fighting a mosaic war, and centers of gravity determine the nature of tactical areas of operation. Center of gravity analysis can help planners avoid historical planning problems, such as focusing solely on the insurgents or solely on protecting the population. The population is not a center of gravity. Rather, the support of the population is often a critical requirement and a critical vulnerability. Support of the population should be a strategic, operational, and tactical objective for both insurgents and counterinsurgents. There must be a balance of enemy-centric and population-centric activities that suits the current environment. The monograph includes case studies of the Tet Offensive during the Vietnam War and the surge during the Iraqi War.

Abstract: The phenomenon of terrorism is not new. For centuries groups have sought political change through the use of violence and intimidation against a civilian population. Much like the society it exists in, the method of terrorism continues to change. One of the more recent developments is the spread of homegrown, self-radicalized terrorist operatives in Western nations. Groups like Al-Shabaab in Somalia and Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) have led the pack in promoting these internal threats. The new tactical objective of encouraging self-radicalization of Western citizens carries significant implications for counter-terrorism policies. Evans (2005) provides an outstanding piece regarding the tactical objectives of terror organizations. This research will begin by reviewing Evans’ (2005) piece and developing a useful framework to apply to the efforts of Al-Shabaab and AQAP. Next, a brief historical background of the two groups will be provided to illustrate the driving forces behind these two groups. Having established a framework for analysis and historical context, this paper will contrast Evans’ (2005) piece with the current efforts by Al-Shabaab and AQAP to encourage radicalization and subsequent attacks by citizens of Western governments. Finally, policy implications of the self-radicalization movement will be illustrated. In sum, this article will seek to prove that efforts to promote self radicalization of Western citizens represent a new tactical objective of terror organizations that demands a coordinated government response.

Abstract: The chapter focuses on the tactical issues in a supply chain. This is the level at which medium-term decisions are made regarding the way different activities will be performed and organized. The chapter provides the actions to be taken in order to obtain a supply chain that fits with the definition, i.e., an organization that encapsulates all the partners required to transform raw material into products-in-use in an efficient manner. Cooperation is the key word for the success of a supply chain. To cooperate fruitfully, a partner should first realize that any decision made in one of its department's influences not only the company as a whole but also influences other partners in the chain. Tactical activities are those that are encountered in production management. These include manufacturing and logistics activities, applied marketing, day-to-day human resources management, sales, quality management, and inventory management. Tactical activities are further grouped into the following macro activities: buying, making, moving, storing, and selling. Both strategic and tactical activities are horizontal in the sense that each one concerns directly or indirectly each of the partners of the supply chain. The global tactical objective in a supply chain is customer satisfaction. At the same time, individual components of the supply chain aim to maximize their shareholder value by maximizing the return on investment (ROI) of their investors.

Abstract: : Networking of information sources in relation to an organizing center is often a requirement for finding solutions to problems that individuals cannot solve alone. The process may require ongoing situation assessment by the problem-solving participants and the sharing of assessment progress via transfer of information over physically restricted communication links. the communication process may occur under conditions in which the participants are stressed. In the experiment reported in this Research Note, three, physically separated Macintosh computer workstations were placed in mutual communication under various restrictions and monitored by a fourth computer that served as a file server and central data collection resource. The problem was presented as animated tanks moving across a master battlefield terrain map with different, overlapping, limited portions of the map shown on the screen at each workstation. With various restrictions placed on the communication channels, subjects sent and received messages and tried to arrive at conclusions regarding tank action parameters. Twenty-four college students participated as subjects. A 10% and a 50% probability of detection of the observer by the enemy produced a threat situation and certain operational consequences if detection occurred. The objective was to arrive at an estimate of enemy strength, destination, tactical objective, and observer location. The results suggest that a broadly accessible communications system produces higher quality situation assessment results but has certain constraints and caveats.