| | | Page |
| FOREWORD | 1 |
| | Science of War—Scientific Investigation—Fundamental Considerations—Art of War—Scientific Method—Leadership and Training—Sound Decision—Judgment—The Approach to the Solution of Military Problems—Fundamental Philosophy—Technique of Solution—Process of Education—Outline of the Discussion. | |
| PART I. PROFESSIONAL JUDGMENT IN ITS RELATION TO THE SUCCESSFUL CONDUCT OF WAR. |
| I | Command and its Problems | 7 |
| | The Implementation of National Policy—The Primary Function of the Armed Forces—Military Strategy and Tactics—Command of the Armed Forces—Unity of Effort—The Chain of Command—Mutual Understanding—Indoctrination. | |
| II | Mental Processes and Human Tendencies | 19 |
| | Natural Mental Processes—The Necessity for Logical Thought—Principles in their Relation to Logical Thought—Value and Limitations of Lists of Principles of War—Formulation and Use of Principles—Summary of Fundamental Considerations. | |
| III | Basic Principles Applicable to Military Problems (The Fundamental Military Principle) | 29 |
| | Review of Conclusions—Procedure—Suitability, Feasibility, and Acceptability—Fundamental Principle for Attainment of an End—Interdependency of Factors—Special Nature of War—Factors in War—The Objective in War—Military Operations—Salient Features—The Fundamental Military Principle—Corollaries. | |
| IV | The Application of the Fundamental Military Principle (Objectives—Their Selection and Attainment) | 43 |
| | The Basis for Solution of a Military Problem—The Major Components of a Military Problem—Essential Elements—Selection of Correct Military Objectives—Determination of Effective Military Operations—Physical Objectives—Relative Positions—Apportionment of Fighting Strength—Freedom of Action—Summary. | |
| V | The Four Steps in the Solution of a Military Problem | 79 |
| | A Situation—The Incentive—The Assigned Objective—The Motivating Task—The Natural Mental Processes—The Approach to the Solution—The First Step—The Basic Problem—Tasks—The Mission—Survey of Factors of Fighting Strength—Courses of Action—Reflective Thinking—Naval Operations—Analysis and Selection of Courses of Action—The Decision—The Second Step—The Third Step—The Fourth Step—Sequence of Events in the Four Steps—The Use of a Form in the Solution of Problems—Conclusion. | |
| *PART II. THE EXERCISE OF PROFESSIONAL JUDGMENT IN PLANNING. |
| VI | The Selection of a Correct Objective (Including the Determination, in Proper Detail, of the Action Required for its Attainment) The First Step—The Solution of a Basic Problem (The Estimate of the Situation) | 117 |
| | Process of solving a Problem—Sections of the Estimate Form—Establishment of the Basis for Solution of the Problem—Determination of Suitable, Feasible, and Acceptable Courses of Action—Examination into the Capabilities of the Enemy—Selection of the Best Course of Action—The Decision. | |
| VII | The Resolution of the Required Action into Detailed Operations (The Second Step—The Solution of Subsidiary Problems) | 155 |
| | Assumptions—Alternative Plans—Application of the Essential Elements of a Favorable Military Operation—Testing for Suitability, Feasibility, and Acceptability—Formulation of Tasks—Organization of Task Groups—Application of the Fundamental Military Principle to the Determination of Objectives embodied in Tasks—Assembly of Measures for Freedom of Action—Preparation of Subsidiary Plans. | |
| *PART III. THE EXERCISE OF PROFESSIONAL JUDGMENT IN THE EXECUTION OF THE PLAN |
| VIII | The Inauguration of the Planned Action (The Third Step—The Formulation and Issue of Directives) | 183 |
| | Scope of the Third Step—Military Plans and Military Directives—Essentials of Military Directives—Restatement of the Decision—Standard Forms for Plans and Directives—The Order Form—Types of Naval Directives. | |
| IX | The Supervision of the Planned Action (The Fourth Step) | 197 |
| | Nature of the Discussion—Goal of Planning—Importance of Execution—The Incentive—Conditions in War—Recognition of New Problems—Nature of Readjustments Required—Importance of the Will of the Commander—Problems Involving Modification of the Basic Plan—Problems Challenging Integrity of Basic Plan—Further Procedure Applicable to such Problems of the Fourth Step—The Running Estimate of the Situation—Journal and Work Sheet—Special Remarks as to Entries—Summary. | |
| *CONCLUSION | 217 |
| *APPENDIX |
| | Outline Form of an Operation Plan | 219 |
| | Tabular Form of the Estimate of the Situation | 222 |
| *INDEX | 227 |
| * Not included in the limited issue for use in Part I of the Correspondence Course. |
