Analytical Essay

1. Purpose: To assess the learner’s ability to evaluate leadership case studies using academic writing to communicate the application of lessons learned to future operations.

2. Additional References:

a. ADP 6-0, Mission Command: Command and Control of Army Forces, pages 2-1 to 2-5.

b. Perdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) website, https://owl.perdue.edu/owl/section2/20

c. Operation Anaconda in Afghanistan - A Case Study of Adaptation in Battle. 3. Guidance and Requirements:

a. Develop an analytical essay using the six principles of mission command to appraise and compare the Operation Anaconda Case Study, March 2002. Use your time to develop a deep understanding of your topic to fully explain your analysis.

b. Construct the essay IAW the American Psychological Association (APA) Writing Style. Your essay should include four major sections: a Title page, an Abstract which is an in depth introduction of your topic, Main Body consisting of three full pages and no more than five pages, and a Reference page with at least one additional source for the bibliography.

c. Your essay should be typed, double-spaced on standard-sized paper (8.5" x 11") with 1" margins on all sides; use 12 pt. Times New Roman font.

d. Include a page header (also known as the "running head") at the top of every page. To create a page header/running head, insert page numbers flush right; then type "TITLE OF YOUR PAPER" in the header flush left using all capital letters. The running head is a shortened version of your paper's title and cannot exceed 50 characters including spacing and punctuation.

4. Objective. The student may choose to focus the essay on one or more of the following objectives:

a. Objective 1: Assess the implications of Operation Anaconda for command structures for future joint expeditionary operations and tactical battles.

b. Objective 2: Examine the challenge of generating accurate intelligence estimates of enemy forces, intentions, and capabilities for tactical battles.

c. Objective 3: Analyze the implications of Operation Anaconda for the capacity of predetermined battle plans to forecast how events will actually unfold.

d. Objective 4: Assess the roles that can be played by allied coalition forces in battles such as Anaconda.

e. Objective 5: Discuss why the forging of adaptive plans, supported by effective forces, is important to preparing for battles such as Anaconda.

f. Objective 6: Evaluate Anaconda’s lessons for dispersed operations with light infantry forces in the Information Age.

g. Objective 7: Examine the role of SOF forces in modern battles such as Anaconda.

h. Objective 8: Analyze the lessons of Anaconda for air-ground interaction and CAS efforts in battles.

i. Objective 9: Assess Anaconda’s lessons for the role played by modern information networks in battles.

j. Objective 10: Examine the lessons of Anaconda for creating adaptable forces during defense transformation