Operation Moked And The Principles Of War.

Abstract : The Israeli plan code-named Operation Moked conducted during the 1967 Six Day War provides an excellent case study to evaluate the utility of the principles of war, as defined in Joint Pub 3-0, Doctrine for Joint Operations, in planning the air phase of an operational campaign. This historical case shows how the Israeli Air Force planned and conducted a hugely successful air operation during the opening hours of the Egyptian campaign with resultant influence on the entire war. Study of the strategies, doctrines, and organization of the Israeli Air Force during this conflict continues to give insight into the war planning and decision process as augmented by application of the principles of war. The superior Israeli planning effort improved the chances for victory against an enemy coalition with overwhelming numerical advantage. Operational commanders must comprehend how successful operations can be developed. The principles of war are the foundation of U.S. military doctrine and thus guide warfighting at the strategic, operational, and tactical levels. Operation Moked offers an opportunity to evaluate the utility of the principles of war against a successful operation and draw some lessons learned for future planners. What made Operation Moked such an operational success?