| History is replete with examples of the impact of terrain, weather and climate on military operations at all scales. National strategies are influenced heavily by geographic realities of relative location, spatial interaction, population dynamics and resource distribution. This course emphasizes the development of a geographic method for systematic analysis of the battlefield that is appropriate for platoon leader and corps commander alike. Students evaluate the elements of national power and examine their geostrategic influences, past and present. The role of the environment in shaping today's Army and its missions is discussed. Jungle, cold region, alpine, riverine, desert, temperate and urban operational environments are examined for their effect on military planning and execution. Finally, cadets review case studies of the impact of these diverse environments on military operations at the tactical level. |