Warfighting Chapter One, MCDP Podcast. The Nature of War is a complex phenomenon that involves far more than just a clash of interests between opposing forces. MCDP 1 outlines the key attributes that shape the fundamental nature of war – friction, uncertainty, fluidity, and disorder. It explores both the physical and moral/mental forces at play, recognizing war is more than just material factors.
Foreword and Chapter 1Â (Narrated by Alex Liddell)
Learning Objectives:
1. What examples of friction, uncertainty, fluidity and disorder have you experienced in training or combat? How did you overcome them?
2. How have you seen moral or mental forces impact a mission or operation, either positively or negatively?
3. What are some examples of the “art” of war that you have observed in leadership and planning?
4. In what ways have you seen human interaction shape the course of a mission or operation?
Listening Guide:
As you listen to the audio, consider the following discussion questions:
1. What examples of friction, uncertainty, fluidity and disorder have you experienced in training or combat? How did you overcome them?
2. How have you seen moral or mental forces impact a mission or operation, either positively or negatively?
3. What are some examples of the “art” of war that you have observed in leadership and planning?
4. In what ways have you seen human interaction shape the course of a mission or operation?
Marine Corps Doctrinal Publications (MCDPs):
As of my September 2021, the Marine Corps Doctrinal Publications (MCDP) form the core of Marine Corps doctrine. They are a series of publications that establish the foundational concepts and methods by which the Marine Corps organizes, trains, equips, and fights.
MCDP 1 – Warfighting: This is the foundational document that describes the philosophy of the Marine Corps on war and warfare.
MCDP 1-0 – Marine Corps Operations: This publication provides an overview of the nature of operations, the operational environment, and the roles of the Marine Corps in the national defense effort.
MCDP 1-1 – Strategy: This provides the theory and nature of strategy and its relationship with tactics and logistics.
MCDP 1-2 – Campaigning: This discusses the theory and nature of campaigns and the link between strategy and tactics.
MCDP 1-3 – Tactics: This publication addresses the theory and nature of tactics as the art and science of winning engagements and battles.
MCDP 2 – Intelligence: This document covers the nature of intelligence, the principles guiding intelligence activities, and the larger context within which military intelligence plays its role.
MCDP 3 – Expeditionary Operations: It covers the theory, nature, and the conduct of military operations away from home territory.
MCDP 4 – Logistics: This details the theory and nature of military logistics as the science of planning and carrying out the movement and maintenance of forces.
MCDP 5 – Planning: It provides guidance for planning in war and other operations.
MCDP 6 – Command and Control: This publication covers the theory and philosophy of command and control according to the Marine Corps.
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