The Pharaohs early Practitioners of operational Art

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION

Historical and Geographical Scope

LITREATURE REVIEW

On Operational Art

Ancient Egyptian Military

METHODOLOGY

THE PHARAOHS’ WARFARE

Key Campaigns of the New Kingdom

Thutmose III’s Campaigns

Sety I’s Yenoam Campaign

Ramses II’s Kadesh Campaign

Analysis of Operational Factors

The Factor of Time

The Factor of Force

Analysis of Operational Elements

Endstate and Conditions

Center of Gravity

Decisive Points

Operational Reach

Basing

Sequential and Simultaneous Operations

Phasing

Culmination

Risk

CONCLUSION

Research Objectives and Core Themes

This monograph investigates whether the ancient Egyptian military during the New Kingdom (1550–1070 B.C.) practiced operational art as defined by contemporary military doctrine, challenging the Western-centric view that limits the origins of operational art to the nineteenth century.

• Examination of the sophisticated Egyptian war machine and its tactical capabilities.
• Analysis of major New Kingdom campaigns against the criteria of operational factors (space, time, and force).
• Evaluation of Egyptian military operations through modern operational elements such as center of gravity, decisive points, and operational reach.
• Reassessment of the historical timeline for the emergence of operational art in global military history.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

INTRODUCTION: Establishes the study's scope by postulating that the origins of operational art predate the nineteenth century and can be found in the New Kingdom of ancient Egypt.

LITREATURE REVIEW: Surveys existing academic debates on operational art from both Western and non-Western perspectives to identify a gap regarding ancient Egyptian military history.

METHODOLOGY: Outlines the conceptual construct of testing historical campaign evidence against current U.S. Army doctrinal criteria for operational art.

THE PHARAOHS’ WARFARE: Provides a detailed analysis of key historical campaigns (Thutmose III, Sety I, and Ramses II) and evaluates them against operational factors and elements.

CONCLUSION: Synthesizes the findings, arguing that the Egyptian Pharaohs utilized operational art, thereby proving its nature as a timeless intellectual process.

Keywords

Operational Art, New Kingdom, Ancient Egypt, Thutmose III, Ramses II, Military Doctrine, Strategic Theater, Combined Arms Warfare, Operational Factors, Center of Gravity, Decisive Points, Operational Reach, Campaign Planning, Military History, Bronze Age Warfare.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary objective of this research?

The research aims to prove that the ancient Egyptian Pharaohs of the New Kingdom successfully applied operational art, challenging traditional theories that associate its origins exclusively with nineteenth-century Europe or the American Civil War.

Which military campaigns were analyzed in this study?

The study primarily focuses on the campaigns of Thutmose III (such as Megiddo), Sety I’s Yenoam campaign, and the Kadesh campaign conducted by Ramses II.

How does the author define operational art in this context?

The author uses modern U.S. Army doctrine, specifically concepts like operational factors (space, time, force) and operational elements (endstate, center of gravity, etc.), to evaluate the decision-making and campaign execution of the ancient Egyptians.

What is the significance of the "Factor of Space" in Egyptian warfare?

The immense and geographically diverse Asiatic theater forced the Pharaohs to develop sophisticated logistics, basing, and maneuver strategies to overcome environmental obstacles and limited military strength.

Did the ancient Egyptians conduct simultaneous or sequential operations?

Yes, the study provides evidence that Pharaohs, particularly Thutmose III, utilized both simultaneous and sequential operations, such as amphibious landings and multi-directional attacks, to achieve strategic objectives.

Why are non-Western military styles often ignored by historians?

The author argues that Western military historians often focus on industrial-age warfare, whereas this study contends that operational art is an intellectual process that transcends specific weapon systems or technological levels.

How did intelligence failures impact the practice of operational art?

The study highlights how Ramses II's reliance on false intelligence before the battle of Kadesh nearly led to catastrophe, illustrating the inherent risks involved in even the most sophisticated operational planning.

What role did alliances play in the Egyptian operational framework?

Military alliances were considered a strategic center of gravity, providing the Egyptians with secure bases, intelligence, and logistical support essential for maintaining influence in the Levant region.