Please see attchment
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Battle Analysis
Revision Date: MAY 2018
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A method used by historians to provide a systematic approach to the study of battles, campaigns, and other operations.
What is Battle Analysis?
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Step 1: Define the Subject.
Step 2: Review the Setting (Set the Stage).
Step 3: Describe the Action.
Step 4: Assess the Significance.
Battle Analysis Steps
Revision Date: MAY 2018
MH303 Battle Analysis
Pick a subject appropriate to the level of interest.
Select a topic related to the types of lessons desired.
Identify Event (Where, Who, When)
Determine Research Material
Quantity and type of sources (books, articles, and other).
Quality of sources (content, bias, and intent).
Evaluate Material
Step 1 — Define the Subject
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Strategic/Operational Overview
Identify the War
Objective of principle Antagonists
Campaign Overview
Study Area of Operations
Weather
Terrain (Observation, Avenues of Approach, Key Terrain, Obstacles, Civilians)
Compare the Forces
Size and Composition; Technology; Doctrine; Logistics; Intelligence; Command & Control; Moral; Leadership
State Mission & Initial Disposition of Forces
Mission of each force
Objective of each force
Describe Initial Disposition of Forces
Step 2 – Review the Setting
Revision Date: MAY 2018
MH303 Battle Analysis
Describe the Opening Moves
Who was on offense
Who was on defense
What units were used (Cavalry, Air, Infantry, etc.)
Detail Major Phases
Walk through each phase of action
State the Outcome
What happened
Step 3–Describe the Action
Revision Date: MAY 2018
MH303 Battle Analysis
Cause and Effect
Why did events turn out the way they did?
Relevance
What is relevant about this study to current operations?
Who won? Who lost? What affected the outcome?
Use one:
Principles of War (9)
Objective, Offensive, Maneuver, Mass, Economy of Force, Unity of Command, Security, Surprise, Simplicity
Threads Of Continuity(you decide)
Warfighting Functions (6)
Mission Command, Movement and Maneuver, Intelligence, Fires, Sustainment, Protection
Step 4—Assess the Significance
Revision Date: MAY 2018
MH303 Battle Analysis
Closing
Review Learning Objectives:
Questions?
Next Lesson: L5 The Formative Years, 1783-1812
Cadet Post-Class Assignment:
Chapter 5, “The Formative Years, 1783-1812” in American Military History Volume I, pp. 107-129; by Richard W. Stewart
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MH303 Battle Analysis
