IN PURSUIT OF MILITARY EXCELLENCE
The Evolution of Operational Theory

Shimon Naveh

Nominated for the Westminster Medal for Military Literature in 1997

This book offers a scientific interpretation of the intermediate field of military knowledge situated between strategy and tactics, better known as "operational art", and traces the evolution of operational awareness and its culmination in a full-fledged theory. The author, Brig. Gen. (res.) in the Israel Defense Forces and Doctor of History, Kings College, London, clarifies the substance of "operational art" and constructs a cognitive framework for its critical analysis. He chronicles the stages in the evolution of operational theory from the emergence of 19th century military thought, in which he traces the roots of operational ignorance. He then provides a critical survey of the ensuing Blitzkrieg concept. A striking innovation in the book is the introduction of the Soviet Deep Operations and Strike Manoeuvre theory which emerged in the 1920s and the 1930s, partly to counter the prevailing military doctrine. The author argues that it was this breakthrough which eventually led to the crystallization of the American Airland Battle theory, successfully implemented in the Gulf War.

...an absolutely essential and indispensable contribution to modern military science.

Center for Peace and Conflict Study, Copenhagen

...should be required reading for every serious soldier...

RUSI Journal

Certainly the most important work of military theory in recent years.

Foreign Affairs