ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with definitions of operational art, center of gravity, command, logistics, and intelligence that are common to all operations, whether carried out jointly or by single services, in the air or on the ground, at sea or below the sea. Operational art emerged primarily as a result of changes in the conduct of war during the French Revolutionary Wars and technological developments during the early nineteenth century. The possession of nuclear weapons turned large concentrations of troops and munitions into attractive targets for nuclear attack and the need for operational art seemed increasingly outdated. Operational art translates theater strategy and design into operational design which links and integrates the tactical battles and engagements that, when fought and won, achieve the strategic aim. Operational art can be said to connect the tactical battles with the strategic goals by means of military operations, decided at the operational level.
