An Persuasive Essay About Multi-Domain Operations (Essay Sample)

The concept of Multi-domain operations (MDO) describes how the army can fight across all domains, electromagnetic spectrum, and information environment and at echelons. The three tenets of MDO include calibrated force posture, multi-domain formations, and convergence. “Calibrated force posture involves the combined application of capacity, capabilities, position and the ability to maneuver across strategic distances.” On the other hand, the 1917’s battle of Beersheba, fought in the open terrain of desert trenches was the critical turning point in Britain’s campaign against Ottoman Turks and the later taking over of Palestine2. Notably, the 4th Light Horse Brigade’s cavalry charge that applied the concepts of mobility and flanking movements was key to the success of the battle of Beersheba. Therefore, the calibrated force posture characterized by the enhanced capabilities of the British army, including effective counterintelligence and logistical preparation, and the use of mounted forces and its ability to maneuver the desert terrains of Beersheba led to the success of the Beersheba battle.[Training, US Army, and Doctrine Command. "TRADOC Pamphlet 525-3-1] [Grafman, Zachary D. "The Battle of Beersheba: Strategic and Tactical Pivot of Palestine." (2013)]
The success of the battle of Beersheba largely depended on the British Army’s ability to maneuver the difficult desert terrains of the region. Beersheba lies in the shadow valley of Wadi Gaza which acts as the outlet from the hills into the Mediterranean Sea. Notably, the valley’s west-east crisscrossing combined with its surrounding hills creates a natural barrier to north-south movements3. Besides, since the terrain is greatly unvegetated and full of hard-packed sand and gravel, it favored both mounted and dismounted trafficability. As a result, under the able military leadership of General Edmund Allenby, the British Army managed to maneuver the difficult terrains of Beersheba leading to victory in the battle. General Allenby was a highly skilled and hands-on commander who immediately after taking over from General Murray, initiated military operation changes that brought to life a tired force2. Since Allenby was attacking a prepared army across difficult terrain, he adopted flanking and elaborate hook maneuvers to deceive and conveniently attack German and Turkish enemies. However, the difficult terrain proved adaptable to the mounted tactics of the cavalry.[Kennedy Jr, Major Edwin L. Australian Light Horse: A Study Of The Evolution Of Tactical And Operational Maneuver. Pickle Partners Publishing, 2014.]