This monograph analyzes the Khalkhin Gol Campaign, also referred to as the Battle of Nomonhan, from the Soviet perspective to look at the elements of operational art in a historical campaign. The Khalkhin Gol Campaign resulted from the poorly defined border between Outer Mongolia and Manchukuo. The Khalkhin Gol Campaign began when Mongolian cavalry occupied disputed territory between the Khalkhin Gol River and the town of Nomonhan. This undeclared border war between the USSR and Japan lasted from May to August, 1939 and resulted in more than fifty thousand casualties combined. This analysis provides current military planners with a historical vignette to enhance their appreciation for the application of the elements of operational art for future high intensity conflicts.

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited -- Report documentation page. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student author 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.) -- Monograph approval page. 24 May 2018 -- Monograph approval page.

Strategic overview --Soviet preparations -- Japanese preparations -- Soviet victory -- Effects of the elements of operational art -- Lines of operations -- end state and conditions -- Tempo -- Phasing and transitions -- Operational reach -- Conclusion.