PLANS OF WAR
System of Operations
Having determined the nature of the war by the nature of its object (i.e., whether it is offensive or defensive and whether it is limited or unlimited), Strategy has to decide on the system of operations or "plan of the war."
Apart from the means at our disposal a plan of war depends mainly upon—
(1) The theatre of the war.
(2) The various theatres of operation available within it.
1. Theatre of the War.—Usually defined as "All the territory upon which the hostile parties may assail each other." This is insufficient. For an Island Power the theatre of war will always include sea areas. Truer definition: "Geographical areas within which must lie the operations necessary for the attainment of the ulterior objects of the war and of the subordinate objects that lead up to them."
A "theatre of war" may contain several "theatres of operations."
2. Theatre of Operations.—Is generally used of the operations of one belligerent only.
An "operation" is any considerable strategical undertaking.