Redlinger, M: Hans Delbruck and Clausewitz’s Culminating Poi

This monograph searches for an answer to the question: "What is the relationship between strategies and operational culminating points?" It begins by examining the theoretical position of Hans Delbruck and his dual strategies of annihilation and exhaustion. It then turns to Clausewitz and investigates the concept of culminating points. Finally, it develops a model of strategic combat power which is used to aid the reader in understanding the theoretical link between operational culminating points and the strategies of exhaustion and annihilation. This concludes the first part of the monograph. The second section of the monograph is a case study of the Yom Kippur War of 1973. This war is used to test the validity of our analysis concerning strategies and culminating points. Our theory not only is valid, but also demonstrates that a strategic planner must consider operational culminating points as an integral element to the success of any campaign. Not to understand the relationship of culminating points to the success of strategies will only end in disaster.