This monograph examines risk and tempo as components of warfighting which are inextricably linked and dependent upon a commander who is capable of assessing and accepting risk. The study analyzes three operational maneuvers (Marne, Anzio, Inchon) and examines the operational commander's ability to accept risk in order to seize and maintain the offensive tempo. The paper also determines whether the operational commander can control the tempo on the AirLand battlefield without possessing risk taking characteristics as an essential quality of his competence. The study concludes that risk taking is key to the operational commander's success in gaining and maintaining the tempo of battle. It underscores the significance of selecting operational commanders that execute AirLand Battle doctrine by accepting risk. Finally, it suggests methods of developing and identifying risk taking characteristics among operational commanders.

ADA 234164 Approved for public release; Distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)