Clausewitz’s fog-and friction-of war theory has survived 175 year and is still applicable today, despite being criticized by some scholars. Clausewitz’s theory of war was the basis for C4ISR capabilities like real-time COP. Its effectiveness is now in doubt due to complex asymmetric warfare.
Principles of War
The act of conducting war is similar in many ways to operating a complex machine. It takes a lot. It is possible to understand the history and friction of war. The various principles of warfare can also be studied. This article will focus on the outflank principle and envelopment.
While surprise moves can be supported or stopped by fog and friction, they can also cause major disruptions to campaigns. Clausewitz also echoes this concept in his book On War (note 1), p.222.
Sun Tzu's "bloodless struggle”
Sun Tzu's philosophy, "bloodless struggle," refers specifically to the psychological and political aspects of warfare. While he does discuss actual combat in great detail, he strongly discourages engaging in such combat. This contrasts with the views of Clausewitz, who acknowledged the dangers of war but focused on military operations.
Clausewitz also understood the importance of prolonging a struggle. He also said that Sun Tzu had exaggerated military control. He also stressed that war is a political matter, and that a nation cannot be conquered by military means alone.
Clausewitz's theories on fogging and friction during war
Clausewitz's theory regarding the fog and friction caused by war emphasises that war is characterized in ambiguity and uncertainty which makes it difficult to make well-informed decisions. Approximately three-quarters of the factors that determine the outcome of an action are enveloped in a fog of greater or lesser uncertainty. Friction, on other hand, hinders activity.
War is characterized by the fogging and friction that comes with it. Although it is impossible to perfect a formula for winning a battle, it is possible improve the effectiveness of a strategy. As such, Clausewitz's theory is an important contribution to the discussion of war and military transformation. Today, many researchers discuss the changes in military affairs, including generational shifts, and conceptualize transformation in various ways. The modern-day war is where the use of advanced technology, precise weaponry and artificial Intelligence are all commonplaces, so friction is particularly pertinent.
Strategy for military operations in the real world
Military strategy in the real world requires surmounting challenges of time, space, and information. The United States is located between two oceans, which can both be a blessing and curse. It means that US forces need to travel long distances to wage war. Therefore, the Department of Defense developed the military to overcome this disadvantage. It now seeks operational omnipresence for 2021. It must continue to develop and innovate.
Strategic choice is a key component of military strategy. This involves deciding when, where, and how to apply military power. There are many possible uses of military power. In order to make the right choice, strategists must answer three general questions. The first is whether to apply military power in the first place, a decision that has major physical consequences. The second question is how to sequence the application of military power.