Determining Tempo and Momentum of the Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) in the Spacetime Dimension

The noted Prussian theorist, Carl von Clausewitz wrote about the concentration of forces in space, and the unification of forces in time, as though they were two separate entities. Albert Einstein, however, with the advent of his theories on special and general relativity, linked space and time into one entity - spacetime. Given the complexities of the modern battlespace it is necessary for military commanders and planners to conceive operations using Einstein’s concept of spacetime instead of Clausewitz’s discreet approach. This is important because the perception of an adaptive enemy’s movement is relative to the movement of Marine forces (e.g., Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF)). Therefore, neither combatant will agree on their observations of either space or time. This fact, coupled with the Marine Expeditionary Force’s desire to place him in a position of disadvantage, requires the MEF to act faster (in decision-making and execution) so that it might generate more tempo and momentum than its adversary is capable of reacting to. The Marine Corps defines tempo and momentum as controlling the rate of actions and interactions within a campaign to maintain the initiative. 'Tempo is relative and not absolute. The focus must be on ensuring that our [the MEF’s] tempo is superior to an enemy’s.' This author asserts that to determine tempo and momentum, in relation to one’s adversary, the MEF commander must take advantage of information management (IM). This advantage must take place in Einstein’s spacetime dimension. This dimension is the theoretical understanding that 'space and time...can no longer be thought of as an inert backdrop on which the events of the universe play themselves out; rather, through special and then general relativity, they are intimate players in the events themselves.' The ability to think in this dimension should allow the MEF commander to continually assess his position, in motion, relative to a reactive enemy who likewise is in motion. AccordiThis work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.