The systems concepts in military operations - Discussion of critique

Abstract

This paper discusses contemporary military operations concepts, based on a systems approach. These concepts include the U.S. effects-based operations (EBO), NATO's effects-based approach to operations (EBAO) and comprehensive approach (CA) and Israel's systemic operational design (SOD). The paper describes the concepts, reviews the critique of these concepts and discusses the critique from the systems perspective. A systems engineering framework is used as a structure for discussion. The paper is an exploratory type of research which aims to provide fresh insights regarding the challenges and failings of the concepts under discussion. Hence, the contribution of the paper is contextual in nature. The findings of the paper suggest that the expectations for the systems approach to help solve the needs of the military community have perhaps been too ambitious. The chosen systems method, systems analysis and systems techniques for these concepts are probably too limited to be able to support the creation of a holistic understanding of the operational environment.