This monograph examines the definition of the term culmination for the tactical defense as defined by the 1993 edition of FM100-5, OPERATIONS. The term entered US Army doctrine in the 1986 edition of FM 100-5 and was defined as a concept for an attacking force. The 1993 edition now defines culmination equally for the defender. The monograph begins with an investigation of the original concept defined by Carl von Clausewitz, in his book On War. It then explores US Army doctrine along with the changes that have occurred between 1986 and 1993. Finally, three historical case studies of defending units that reached their point of culmination are assessed. Terms used in doctrine usually have some grounding either in theory or history or a combination of both. Because the culminating point has only been addressed by one author, Carl von Clausewitz, an examination of several other authors, including Jomini, Svechin, Tukhachevskiy, Mao, and Sun Tzu, is provided. This examination looks at their thoughts on the relationship between attack and defense to determine if culmination in the defense is the same as it is in the offense. Four criteria are introduced which examine the definition of the term. The first two are the benefits of terrain the defender has over the attacker and the principle of surprise and how it changes hands quickly from the attacker to the defender. The next two are the tenet of initiative which is a ""balance of equilibrium"" constantly shifting in the tide of tactical engagements, and the combat power dynamic of leadership. It is leadership, above all else, that provides the intuitive creative capability to a defending force to continue fighting beyond what is now defined as culmination in the defense. This monograph concludes that, in tactics, culmination results in a change or transition from one form of warfare to another, i.e., attack to defense and defense to counterattack. However, it is the sensing of a commander, using his intuitive judgment, in combination with every other part of his decision making process, which determines when this transition occurs.

ADA 289005 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.)