OMFTS: innovative concept but can we support it with fires.

This monograph examines Operational Maneuver from the Sea (OMFTS), the U.S. Marine Corps' latest warfighting concept. The evolutionary outgrowth of the sea services' most current white papers, OMFTS focuses on the littorals. The paper initially examines the definition of the operational level of war, and traces the history of operational art. From the Napoleonic Wars through the Russian Civil War, the tactical and strategic levels separated. The Russian military recognized the gulf between the two levels, but the American military did not grasp the importance of the operational level until after its failures in Korea and Vietnam. OMFTS weds the current Marine Corps' philosophy of maneuver warfare with the operational level. By focusing on operational objectives, the Corps will increase its tempo while it eschews the traditional build-up phase of an amphibious assault. OMFTS promises decisive results by focusing on an enemy critical vulnerability. This monograph concludes with the decision that we can support OMFTS with fires. The arsenal ships will reduce the naval surface fire support shortfall. The upgrades planned for the surface fleets' existing 5-inch guns may also have a great effect. Improvements to precision guided munitions and standoff weapons will also add to the viability of OMFTS.