Dorn, D: Great Captains Use of Joint Operations: Alexander,

A thorough understanding of the importance of naval power used in junction with the combined forms of the land army, specifically infantry, cavalry and artillery will lead us to understand the importance of joint operations in determining decisive military victory and expanding national influence. Great captains have achieved victory, greatness and rapidly expanded their nation's influence through successful understanding and employment of amphibious and combined operations. This thesis will argue the importance of joint and combined operations in determining success of great captains. The discussion will be divided into two parts. Part I will provide a brief history of three amphibious campaigns from the ancients to the age of enlightenment. Part II will analyze the strategy, leadership, organization, thought and technology in these examples, and how they were applied to achieve decisive effects and accomplish the grand strategic objectives. The case studies used are; Alexander's campaign in Asia, Scipio Africanus' campaigns in Spain and Carthage, and Gustavus Adolphus' landing in Germany during the 30-years war.