“Each unit commander, in his own zone of operation, directs the research of information, in accordance with instructions received, and in addition, independently carries out such research as are dictated by his special situation or required by the execution of the operation in which he is engaged.” — Herbert A. Simon, 1978 Nobel Laureate in Economics “for his pioneering research into decision-making process.”
What Now?
The Provost Marshal General of the Army signed the Army’s Antiterrorism Strategic Plan (ATSP), “Maneuvering the Phalanx” in February 2024. This strategic document outlines the path forward for antiterrorism efforts and serves as a proactive guide to achieving its vision.
The vision expressed in the ATSP is the cornerstone of success and a vital tool for avoiding failure. As British Field Marshal William Slim, commander of the Fourteenth Army during World War II, observed, campaigns launched without clear political or military objectives often lead to disaster. The ATSP’s vision centers on “Army actions to prevent or respond to terrorist-related events.”
Where to Start?
Reassess or refine current plans. All military planning begins with collecting information. In most cases, plans are already in place. Where there is no plan, use the ATSP vision as the basis of a plan to prevent terrorism. In organizations where plans already exist, the ATSP suggests a review of previously collected information. As William “Wild Bill” Donovan, head of the Office of Strategic Services in World War II explained, “Strategy [plans], without information upon which it can rely, is helpless. Likewise, information is useless unless it is intelligently directed to the strategic [plan’s objective and] purpose.” Each command and activity are different. One command should not expect its information requirements to resemble every other. Moreover, excess of unnecessary information only wastes time and obfuscates the problem. At this point in ATSP-related planning, what information should you direct from all sources to build effective AT defenses?
Relating the Maneuvering the Phalanx
As indicated above, information collection and sources must be constant. That information drives planning ending in a leader’s decision on a course of action. The ATSP provides a series of goals and objectives that relate to multiple Army organizations. Its purpose is to provide an outline for coordination and priorities guiding effort and resources. Goals, objectives, and priorities are designed for broad application and do not constrain necessary planning and execution at commands or activities across the Army. As the vision stated, this planning, in principle, includes the entire Army community. Each AT plan and its procedures are unique. The planning aegis of each command or activity must define or include AT protection for all operations, activities and personnel assigned and related. As indicated above, information collection and sources must be constant. That information drives planning, ending in a leader’s decision on a course of action. Moreover, it must include coordination necessary to avoid gaps in AT-related defenses.
As Plato observed "The Republic" over 2,000 years ago, “The beginning is the most important part of the work.” So, consider the Army Antiterrorism Strategic Plan, Maneuvering the Phalanx, a commencement, a start to refining old plans or a beginning for some.
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