Through a Glass Clearly: An Improved Definition of LSCO

The Army needs a useful definition of large-scale combat operations (LSCO) because without one, we risk learning the wrong lessons from history and being unprepared for the next war. Without a definition, LSCO cannot be professionally analyzed. Without analysis, LSCO cannot be understood. Without understanding, LSCO cannot be won. Therefore, defining LSCO is the first step in winning it.

This article will critique the Army’s definition of LSCO, offer an improved definition that applies to combat in all physical domains, and demonstrate how a proper definition can allow aspiring operational planners and leaders to educate themselves in the spirit of Napoleon’s maxim.