Scott B Cottrell

From COBRA to the Seine, August 1944

This study is an attempt to provide a contextual example of many of the concepts and terms of the operational art as demonstrated by the Allies in France during August 1944. The action from Operation COBRA to the Seine River crossings is first described, highlighting key operational concepts and terms. Then these concepts are discussed, defined, sketched, mapped and redefined where appropriate, all in an effort to present a more complete understanding of the terms and concepts on which AirLand Battle and FM 100-5 are built. The following terms and concepts are addressed: Theater Strategic Objectives, Sequenced Activities, Branches and Sequels, Center of Gravity, Culminating Point, Decisive Terrain, Lines of Operation, and Operational Maneuver. The study reveals at least two areas where perhaps FM 100-5 needs more thought. These are center of gravity and defensive culminating point. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.