Maneuver warfare is the war-fighting philosophy applied by most contemporary, professional, first-world militaries. This course will introduce students to maneuver warfare through a comprehensive analysis of such texts as Marine Corps Doctrinal Publications, selected reading from Carl von Clausewitz's On War, and selections from professional journals on foreign policy and security practices. Students should expect to deeply analyze maneuver warfare in the light of the contemporary security environment. Students will study and practice the decision-making "OODA" loop as expressed by John Body. Students will understand the changes that have occurred in warfare over time. Students will study and apply the individual skills used by the contemporary war-fighter, such as fire-and-movement, land navigation, and small-unit leadership skills.

Course Requirements:

Students will read, synthesize, and analyze a body of material that expounds on maneuver warfare, individual military skills, and small-unit leadership. Students will be quizzed on assigned readings weekly, receive comprehensive monthly exams, and be subject to a mid-term and comprehensive final exam. Students will be assigned research projects and papers that will reinforce their understanding of the maneuver warfare philosophy. Students must practically apply land navigation, fire-and-movement, and small-unit leadership skills. Class Participation 10% Quizzes 10% Application 10% Exam 1 20% Research Paper/Presentation 20% Exam 2 30%

Intended Audience:

2/C, 3/C, and 4/C (juniors, sophomores, and freshmen) Marine-option midshipmen are the primary audience. However, Navy-option midshipmen who are considering a "Blue-to-Green" transfer are encouraged to apply.

Class Format:

Classroom meetings twice weekly for 90 minutes each meeting.