However, the application of operational art is largely an art, not a science. The theory of operational art is universal because it is based on experiences of all wars, regardless of the era in which they were conducted. In generic terms, operational art can be understood as the theory and practice of planning, preparing, and conducting major operations and campaigns aimed at accomplishing operational or strategic objectives in a theater. Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of theory of operational warfare are absolutely necessary for the most effective use of one’s combat forces not only in a high-intensity conventional war but also in operations short of war. Yet because of the more complex and restrictive strategic environment, operational art is much more difficult to apply than it is in a high-intensity conventional war. Operational art can, and should, be applied across the entire spectrum of conflict. One reason for this unsatisfactory situation is the belief that operational art is applicable only to a high-intensity conventional war, but this is indisputably false. Focus in these operations is almost entirely on strategy and tactics, while operational art-that critically important intermediate field of study and practice of the art of war-is given short shrift. In peacetime, one’s military forces are predominantly involved in conducting diverse and low-intensity actions, arbitrarily called operations short of war.
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