Page 26 - 45th Sayurusara full
P. 26
24 Sayurusara 2022 June
UNDERSTANDING DOCTRINE
AND
DOCTRINE CYCLE
Introduction additional details for each area of functional
doctrine.
The word ‘doctrine’ has originated and • Thematic Doctrine. Thematic doctrine
derived from the Latin word ‘doctrina’, which operationalizes functional doctrine within
implies ‘a set of beliefs’, ‘particular principles’ a specific context or for a particular
or ‘a body of teachings’. It thus serves as contingency.
guidance for shared understanding, provides a • Environmental Doctrine. Environmental
framework of beliefs and teachings that guide a doctrine draws on functional and thematic
group in its actions. doctrine that is specific to the maritime,
land, air, space, information (including
NATO defines doctrine as, ‘fundamental cyberspace) and electromagnetic
principles by which military forces guide environments.
their actions in support of objectives. It
is authoritative but requires judgment in Maritime Doctrine of Sri Lanka (MDSL) -
application.’ Essentially, military doctrine SLN BR 1
guides our armed forces on how to conduct
themselves in operations. It is also a body of MDSL is the capstone publication of the Sri Lanka
professional knowledge and a common basis Navy and it was launched on 09th July 2020. It
for understanding the nature and conduct of can be categorized as a High Level Environmental
armed conflict (SLN BR 1). Doctrine, where the scope of the Doctrine is
‘Describe what you think about (Philosophy)
Doctrinal Characteristics and How to think (Principles). The method of
adoption is ‘Educate and Assimilate’. The output
There are three levels of doctrine; High Level is ‘Common Framework of Understanding’. The
(Strategic), Theatre Level (Operational) and effect is ‘External Influence’ and ‘Guidance’.
Low Level (Tactical). How we intend to use
our doctrine, and who will use it, defines what The Nature of Doctrine
it is. The high-level (strategic) approach to
military operations cascades down to detailed Doctrine must be flexible mainly in two
(tactical) procedures required by units and senses. First, it must convey the importance of
individuals, with (operational-level) principles initiative and not discourage commanders from
and practices linking the two. challenging received wisdom when appropriate.
Second, it must be subject to regular review
Within Strategic, Operational and Tactical to ensure that the accumulated wisdom being
levels, doctrine can be further subdivided as promulgated in the form of doctrine is as robust
follows (SLN BR 1): and relevant as possible. However, in conducting
regular review, care must be taken not to make
• Functional Doctrine. It describes a joint change for change’s sake. At the military-
approach and is set at the operational strategic level, the fundamental principles
level. Supporting publications provide will probably change only very rarely (British
Maritime Doctrine – 3rd Edition).
UNDERSTANDING DOCTRINE
AND
DOCTRINE CYCLE
Introduction additional details for each area of functional
doctrine.
The word ‘doctrine’ has originated and • Thematic Doctrine. Thematic doctrine
derived from the Latin word ‘doctrina’, which operationalizes functional doctrine within
implies ‘a set of beliefs’, ‘particular principles’ a specific context or for a particular
or ‘a body of teachings’. It thus serves as contingency.
guidance for shared understanding, provides a • Environmental Doctrine. Environmental
framework of beliefs and teachings that guide a doctrine draws on functional and thematic
group in its actions. doctrine that is specific to the maritime,
land, air, space, information (including
NATO defines doctrine as, ‘fundamental cyberspace) and electromagnetic
principles by which military forces guide environments.
their actions in support of objectives. It
is authoritative but requires judgment in Maritime Doctrine of Sri Lanka (MDSL) -
application.’ Essentially, military doctrine SLN BR 1
guides our armed forces on how to conduct
themselves in operations. It is also a body of MDSL is the capstone publication of the Sri Lanka
professional knowledge and a common basis Navy and it was launched on 09th July 2020. It
for understanding the nature and conduct of can be categorized as a High Level Environmental
armed conflict (SLN BR 1). Doctrine, where the scope of the Doctrine is
‘Describe what you think about (Philosophy)
Doctrinal Characteristics and How to think (Principles). The method of
adoption is ‘Educate and Assimilate’. The output
There are three levels of doctrine; High Level is ‘Common Framework of Understanding’. The
(Strategic), Theatre Level (Operational) and effect is ‘External Influence’ and ‘Guidance’.
Low Level (Tactical). How we intend to use
our doctrine, and who will use it, defines what The Nature of Doctrine
it is. The high-level (strategic) approach to
military operations cascades down to detailed Doctrine must be flexible mainly in two
(tactical) procedures required by units and senses. First, it must convey the importance of
individuals, with (operational-level) principles initiative and not discourage commanders from
and practices linking the two. challenging received wisdom when appropriate.
Second, it must be subject to regular review
Within Strategic, Operational and Tactical to ensure that the accumulated wisdom being
levels, doctrine can be further subdivided as promulgated in the form of doctrine is as robust
follows (SLN BR 1): and relevant as possible. However, in conducting
regular review, care must be taken not to make
• Functional Doctrine. It describes a joint change for change’s sake. At the military-
approach and is set at the operational strategic level, the fundamental principles
level. Supporting publications provide will probably change only very rarely (British
Maritime Doctrine – 3rd Edition).
