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General Pershing’s Elements of Operational Art

EOA 8: Meuse-Argonne 1918. General Pershing’s Elements of Operational Art End state: Advance on the western front to cut German railway lines from Metz to Sedan and past 3 rd German line of defense.

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General Pershing’s Elements of Operational Art

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  1. EOA 8: Meuse-Argonne 1918 General Pershing’s Elements of Operational Art End state: Advance on the western front to cut German railway lines from Metz to Sedan and past 3rd German line of defense. Condition: Pershing had a full delegation of commandand emplaced measures to ensure coordination with both the French Army and Wilson was established. COG: The German Army (O) OP Approach: Direct, offensive movement using the element of surprise. Decisive Points: Mobilization planning, quick maneuver through restricted terrain, mutual support of 3 U.S. corps and the French 4th Army. Basing: LOO: Make 2 deep penetrations through German lines around Montfauconand then, press to the Hindenburg Line/3rd line, including its eastern section. OP Reach: Traffic jams & communications issues mar the attacks. Tempo: Initial objectives achieved surprise but the effort bogged down requiring major reorganization. Simultaneity/Depth: Continued attacks throughout October, 1918 allowed the Allied forces to advance as weakened German forces fought on multiple fronts. Phasing/Transitions: Mobilization, penetration of frontier, large scale battle. Culmination: Allies punctured & flanked well-defended German lines after weeks of battle. Risk: Narrow front with difficult terrain; -Germans had time to reinforce; -U.S. divisions lack combat experience & training. Theorist Synthesis: Moltke, Timeline: 3 September 1918: Final plans agreed by Allies. 26 September 1918: Initial attack. I and III Corps achieve objectives. 27 September 1918: V Corps achieves Montfaucon but second and third line of German defenses holds. 12 October 1918: Pershing & Liggett reorganize into a Second Army. 13 October 1918: Reorganized Armies press to central Argonne. 17-31 October 1918: Local attacks straighten Allied lines. 21 October 1918: 3rd German defensive line broken. 22-31 October 1918: First Army prepares to advance across a wide front. 1 November 1918: US reaches hills overlooking Sedan. 11 November 1918: Armistice declared.

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