J.C. Wylie
Encyclopedia
Rear Admiral
Joseph Caldwell Wylie, Jr., USN
, (March 3, 1911 – January 1, 1993) (called "J. C." Wylie or "Bill" Wylie), was an American strategic
theorist, author, and US Naval officer
. Wylie is best known for writing Military Strategy: A General Theory of Power Control.
on March 3, 1911. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy
in 1932. Wylie first saw service on USS Augusta
under Captains James O. Richardson, Royal E. Ingersoll
, and Chester W. Nimitz. During the later 1930s, he served on USS Reid
, USS Altair
, and USS Bristol
.
In May 1942, Wylie was promoted to executive officer
of USS Fletcher
. Fletcher participated in the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal
and the Battle of Tassafaronga
. For his improvised integration of radar
, gunnery
, and torpedo
control during these two actions, Wylie received a Silver Star
. He received his first command, USS Trever
, in January 1943. After six months, he was assigned to the task force that designed the first Combat Information Center
for the U.S. Navy. Wylie, selected for his performance at Guadalcanal
and Tassafaronga
, contributed to the task force by writing the CIC Handbook for Destroyers. Wylie was later assigned to command USS Trever
in December 1943 and completed his World War II service with a group tasked with countering kamikaze attacks
during the upcoming planned invasion of Japan
.
After World War II, Wylie served as a staff officer with the Office of Naval Research
and the Naval War College
. During the 1950s, he helped create the practice of having two alternating crews man a ballistic missile submarine
. In the mid-1950s, Wylie filled staff jobs as well as commanding USS Arneb
and USS Macon
and serving as Commander, Cruiser Division Three (later Cruiser-Destroyer Flotilla Nine), Deputy Inspector General
of the US Navy, and Deputy Chief of Staff, U.S. Atlantic Fleet
. While serving in the latter position, Wylie participated in Operation Power Pack, for which he was awarded his first Legion of Merit
. Wylie finished his career by serving as Deputy Commander in Chief, United States Naval Forces Europe
and Commandant, First Naval District. Wylie retired from the U.S. Navy on July 1, 1972 after 44 years of service. Upon his retirement, he received a second Legion of Merit
.
After his retirement, Wylie served as the first chairman of the USS Constitution Museum
Foundation. J.C. Wylie died on January 29, 1993 in Portsmouth, Rhode Island
.
Military Strategy is a search for a general theory of not just military strategy
but strategy
in general. In Military Strategy, Wylie defined strategy as:
Wylie defined two patterns of strategy: sequential and cumulative. A sequential strategy involved a planned sequence of events where each event is dependent upon the success of the preceding event. Wylie offered MacArthur's
campaign in the Southwest Pacific
, Nimitz's campaign in the Central Pacific, and Eisenhower's
campaign in Europe
as examples of sequential strategies. A cumulative strategy involved a collection of small, disconnected actions that, when taken together, have a significant impact. Wylie uses insurgencies
and the U.S. Navy's submarine campaign
against Japan in World War II as examples of cumulative strategies.
After examining the four existing strategic theories of his time (Maritime
, Air
, Continental
, Mao
) and their limitations, Wylie presented his own general theory of strategy. To Wylie, control was the essence of strategy :
Wylie concluded Military Strategy by demonstrating how control underlies all strategy from courtship
to diplomacy
to terrorism
to war. The type of control used could be anything from influencing the enemy to physically destroying the enemy.
Rear admiral (United States)
Rear admiral is a naval commissioned officer rank above that of a commodore and captain, and below that of a vice admiral. The uniformed services of the United States are unique in having two grades of rear admirals.- Rear admiral :...
Joseph Caldwell Wylie, Jr., USN
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
, (March 3, 1911 – January 1, 1993) (called "J. C." Wylie or "Bill" Wylie), was an American strategic
Strategy
Strategy, a word of military origin, refers to a plan of action designed to achieve a particular goal. In military usage strategy is distinct from tactics, which are concerned with the conduct of an engagement, while strategy is concerned with how different engagements are linked...
theorist, author, and US Naval officer
Officer (armed forces)
An officer is a member of an armed force or uniformed service who holds a position of authority. Commissioned officers derive authority directly from a sovereign power and, as such, hold a commission charging them with the duties and responsibilities of a specific office or position...
. Wylie is best known for writing Military Strategy: A General Theory of Power Control.
Life
J.C. Wylie was born in Newark, New JerseyNewark, New Jersey
Newark is the largest city in the American state of New Jersey, and the seat of Essex County. As of the 2010 United States Census, Newark had a population of 277,140, maintaining its status as the largest municipality in New Jersey. It is the 68th largest city in the U.S...
on March 3, 1911. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy
United States Naval Academy
The United States Naval Academy is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located in Annapolis, Maryland, United States...
in 1932. Wylie first saw service on USS Augusta
USS Augusta (CA-31)
USS Augusta was a Northampton-class heavy cruiser of the United States Navy, notable for service in the Atlantic and Mediterranean during World War II, and for her occasional use as a presidential flagship carrying both Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman under wartime conditions...
under Captains James O. Richardson, Royal E. Ingersoll
Royal E. Ingersoll
Royal Eason Ingersoll was a United States Navy four-star admiral who served as Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet from January 1, 1942 to late1944; Commander, Western Sea Frontier from late 1944 to 1946; and Deputy Commander in Chief, U.S...
, and Chester W. Nimitz. During the later 1930s, he served on USS Reid
USS Reid (DD-369)
The third USS Reid was a in the United States Navy during World War II. She was named for Samuel Chester Reid.-History:Reid was laid down 25 June 1934 by Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Company, Kearny, New Jersey; launched 11 January 1936; sponsored by Mrs. Beatrice Reid Power; and commissioned...
, USS Altair
USS Altair (AD-11)
USS Altair was the lead ship of a class of two destroyer tenders.She was named for Altair, the brightest star in the constellation Aquila.-United States Shipping Board, 1919–1921:...
, and USS Bristol
USS Bristol (DD-453)
USS Bristol was a Gleaves-class destroyer of the United States Navy, named for Rear Admiral Mark Lambert Bristol. She was launched 25 July 1941 by Federal Shipbuilding, Kearny, New Jersey; sponsored by Mrs. Powell Clayton, and commissioned 22 October 1941, Lieutenant Commander C. C...
.
In May 1942, Wylie was promoted to executive officer
Executive officer
An executive officer is generally a person responsible for running an organization, although the exact nature of the role varies depending on the organization.-Administrative law:...
of USS Fletcher
USS Fletcher (DD-445)
USS Fletcher , named for Admiral Frank Friday Fletcher, was the lead Fletcher-class destroyer, and served in the Pacific during World War II. She received fifteen battle stars for World War II service, and five for Korean War service....
. Fletcher participated in the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal
Naval Battle of Guadalcanal
The Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, sometimes referred to as the Third and Fourth Battles of Savo Island, the Battle of the Solomons, The Battle of Friday the 13th, or, in Japanese sources, as the , took place from 12–15 November 1942, and was the decisive engagement in a series of naval battles...
and the Battle of Tassafaronga
Battle of Tassafaronga
The Battle of Tassafaronga, sometimes referred to as the Fourth Battle of Savo Island or, in Japanese sources, as the , was a nighttime naval battle that took place November 30, 1942 between United States Navy and Imperial Japanese Navy warships during the Guadalcanal campaign...
. For his improvised integration of radar
Radar
Radar is an object-detection system which uses radio waves to determine the range, altitude, direction, or speed of objects. It can be used to detect aircraft, ships, spacecraft, guided missiles, motor vehicles, weather formations, and terrain. The radar dish or antenna transmits pulses of radio...
, gunnery
Fire-control system
A fire-control system is a number of components working together, usually a gun data computer, a director, and radar, which is designed to assist a weapon system in hitting its target. It performs the same task as a human gunner firing a weapon, but attempts to do so faster and more...
, and torpedo
Torpedo
The modern torpedo is a self-propelled missile weapon with an explosive warhead, launched above or below the water surface, propelled underwater towards a target, and designed to detonate either on contact with it or in proximity to it.The term torpedo was originally employed for...
control during these two actions, Wylie received a Silver Star
Silver Star
The Silver Star is the third-highest combat military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States armed forces for valor in the face of the enemy....
. He received his first command, USS Trever
USS Trever (DD-339)
USS Trever was a Clemson-class destroyer in the United States Navy. She was named in memory of Lt. Cmdr. George A. Trever.-History:...
, in January 1943. After six months, he was assigned to the task force that designed the first Combat Information Center
Combat Information Center
The Operations Room is the tactical center of a warship or AWAC aircraft providing processed information for command and control of the near battle space or 'area of operations'...
for the U.S. Navy. Wylie, selected for his performance at Guadalcanal
Naval Battle of Guadalcanal
The Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, sometimes referred to as the Third and Fourth Battles of Savo Island, the Battle of the Solomons, The Battle of Friday the 13th, or, in Japanese sources, as the , took place from 12–15 November 1942, and was the decisive engagement in a series of naval battles...
and Tassafaronga
Battle of Tassafaronga
The Battle of Tassafaronga, sometimes referred to as the Fourth Battle of Savo Island or, in Japanese sources, as the , was a nighttime naval battle that took place November 30, 1942 between United States Navy and Imperial Japanese Navy warships during the Guadalcanal campaign...
, contributed to the task force by writing the CIC Handbook for Destroyers. Wylie was later assigned to command USS Trever
USS Trever (DD-339)
USS Trever was a Clemson-class destroyer in the United States Navy. She was named in memory of Lt. Cmdr. George A. Trever.-History:...
in December 1943 and completed his World War II service with a group tasked with countering kamikaze attacks
Kamikaze
The were suicide attacks by military aviators from the Empire of Japan against Allied naval vessels in the closing stages of the Pacific campaign of World War II, designed to destroy as many warships as possible....
during the upcoming planned invasion of Japan
Operation Downfall
Operation Downfall was the Allied plan for the invasion of Japan near the end of World War II. The operation was cancelled when Japan surrendered after the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the Soviet Union's declaration of war against Japan. The operation had two parts: Operation...
.
After World War II, Wylie served as a staff officer with the Office of Naval Research
Office of Naval Research
The Office of Naval Research , headquartered in Arlington, Virginia , is the office within the United States Department of the Navy that coordinates, executes, and promotes the science and technology programs of the U.S...
and the Naval War College
Naval War College
The Naval War College is an education and research institution of the United States Navy that specializes in developing ideas for naval warfare and passing them along to officers of the Navy. The college is located on the grounds of Naval Station Newport in Newport, Rhode Island...
. During the 1950s, he helped create the practice of having two alternating crews man a ballistic missile submarine
Ballistic missile submarine
A ballistic missile submarine is a submarine equipped to launch ballistic missiles .-Description:Ballistic missile submarines are larger than any other type of submarine, in order to accommodate SLBMs such as the Russian R-29 or the American Trident...
. In the mid-1950s, Wylie filled staff jobs as well as commanding USS Arneb
USS Arneb (AKA-56)
USS Arneb was an Andromeda-class attack cargo ship named after Arneb, the brightest star in the southern constellation Lepus. She served as a commissioned ship for 27 years and 3 months, the longest time in commission of any AKA.Arneb was laid down under a Maritime Commission contract as...
and USS Macon
USS Macon (CA-132)
USS Macon , a Baltimore-class heavy cruiser of the United States Navy was laid down on 14 June 1943 by the New York Shipbuilding Corp., Camden, New Jersey; launched on 15 October 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Charles F...
and serving as Commander, Cruiser Division Three (later Cruiser-Destroyer Flotilla Nine), Deputy Inspector General
Inspector General
An Inspector General is an investigative official in a civil or military organization. The plural of the term is Inspectors General.-Bangladesh:...
of the US Navy, and Deputy Chief of Staff, U.S. Atlantic Fleet
United States Fleet Forces Command
The United States Fleet Forces Command is an Atlantic Ocean theater-level component command of the United States Navy that provides naval resources that are under the operational control of the United States Northern Command...
. While serving in the latter position, Wylie participated in Operation Power Pack, for which he was awarded his first Legion of Merit
Legion of Merit
The Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements...
. Wylie finished his career by serving as Deputy Commander in Chief, United States Naval Forces Europe
United States Naval Forces Europe
United States Naval Forces Europe is the United States Navy component of the United States European Command and provides forces for United States African Command....
and Commandant, First Naval District. Wylie retired from the U.S. Navy on July 1, 1972 after 44 years of service. Upon his retirement, he received a second Legion of Merit
Legion of Merit
The Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements...
.
After his retirement, Wylie served as the first chairman of the USS Constitution Museum
USS Constitution Museum
The USS Constitution Museum "serves as the memory and educational voice of , by collecting, preserving, and interpreting the stories of "Old Ironsides" and the people associated with her."...
Foundation. J.C. Wylie died on January 29, 1993 in Portsmouth, Rhode Island
Portsmouth, Rhode Island
Portsmouth is a town in Newport County, Rhode Island, United States. The population was 17,389 at the 2010 U.S. Census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of , of which, of it is land and of it is water. Most of its land area lies on Aquidneck...
.
Military Strategy
While commanding USS Arneb in 1953, J.C. Wylie began writing Military Strategy, A Theory of Power Control. However, Military Strategy was not published until 1967. A revised edition of Military Strategy, together with articles written by Wylie over the years and a new afterword was published by the Naval Institute Press in 1989, edited with an introduction by John B. Hattendorf.Military Strategy is a search for a general theory of not just military strategy
Military strategy
Military strategy is a set of ideas implemented by military organizations to pursue desired strategic goals. Derived from the Greek strategos, strategy when it appeared in use during the 18th century, was seen in its narrow sense as the "art of the general", 'the art of arrangement' of troops...
but strategy
Strategy
Strategy, a word of military origin, refers to a plan of action designed to achieve a particular goal. In military usage strategy is distinct from tactics, which are concerned with the conduct of an engagement, while strategy is concerned with how different engagements are linked...
in general. In Military Strategy, Wylie defined strategy as:
A plan of action designed in order to achieve some end; a purpose together with a system of measures for its accomplishment.
Wylie defined two patterns of strategy: sequential and cumulative. A sequential strategy involved a planned sequence of events where each event is dependent upon the success of the preceding event. Wylie offered MacArthur's
Douglas MacArthur
General of the Army Douglas MacArthur was an American general and field marshal of the Philippine Army. He was a Chief of Staff of the United States Army during the 1930s and played a prominent role in the Pacific theater during World War II. He received the Medal of Honor for his service in the...
campaign in the Southwest Pacific
South West Pacific theatre of World War II
The South West Pacific Theatre, technically the South West Pacific Area, between 1942 and 1945, was one of two designated area commands and war theatres enumerated by the Combined Chiefs of Staff of World War II in the Pacific region....
, Nimitz's campaign in the Central Pacific, and Eisenhower's
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Dwight David "Ike" Eisenhower was the 34th President of the United States, from 1953 until 1961. He was a five-star general in the United States Army...
campaign in Europe
European Theater of Operations
The European Theater of Operations, United States Army was a United States Army formation which directed U.S. Army operations in parts of Europe from 1942 to 1945. It referred to Army Ground Forces, United States Army Air Forces, and Army Service Forces operations north of Italy and the...
as examples of sequential strategies. A cumulative strategy involved a collection of small, disconnected actions that, when taken together, have a significant impact. Wylie uses insurgencies
Insurgency
An insurgency is an armed rebellion against a constituted authority when those taking part in the rebellion are not recognized as belligerents...
and the U.S. Navy's submarine campaign
Allied submarines in the Pacific War
Allied submarines were used extensively during the Pacific War and were a key contributor to the defeat of the Empire of Japan. During the war, submarines of the United States Navy were responsible for 55% of Japan's merchant marine losses; other Allied navies added to the toll. The war against...
against Japan in World War II as examples of cumulative strategies.
After examining the four existing strategic theories of his time (Maritime
Alfred Thayer Mahan
Alfred Thayer Mahan was a United States Navy flag officer, geostrategist, and historian, who has been called "the most important American strategist of the nineteenth century." His concept of "sea power" was based on the idea that countries with greater naval power will have greater worldwide...
, Air
Giulio Douhet
General Giulio Douhet was an Italian general and air power theorist. He was a key proponent of strategic bombing in aerial warfare...
, Continental
Carl von Clausewitz
Carl Philipp Gottfried von Clausewitz was a Prussian soldier and German military theorist who stressed the moral and political aspects of war...
, Mao
Mao Zedong
Mao Zedong, also transliterated as Mao Tse-tung , and commonly referred to as Chairman Mao , was a Chinese Communist revolutionary, guerrilla warfare strategist, Marxist political philosopher, and leader of the Chinese Revolution...
) and their limitations, Wylie presented his own general theory of strategy. To Wylie, control was the essence of strategy :
So it is proposed here that a general theory of strategy should be some developmentof the following fundamental theme: The primary aim of the strategist in the conduct of war is some selected degree of control of the enemy for the strategist’s own purpose; this is achieved by control of the pattern of war; and this control of the pattern of war is had by manipulation of the center of gravityCenter of gravityIn physics, a center of gravity of a material body is a point that may be used for a summary description of gravitational interactions. In a uniform gravitational field, the center of mass serves as the center of gravity...
of war to the advantage of the strategist and the disadvantage of the opponent.
Wylie concluded Military Strategy by demonstrating how control underlies all strategy from courtship
Courtship
Courtship is the period in a couple's relationship which precedes their engagement and marriage, or establishment of an agreed relationship of a more enduring kind. In courtship, a couple get to know each other and decide if there will be an engagement or other such agreement...
to diplomacy
Diplomacy
Diplomacy is the art and practice of conducting negotiations between representatives of groups or states...
to terrorism
Terrorism
Terrorism is the systematic use of terror, especially as a means of coercion. In the international community, however, terrorism has no universally agreed, legally binding, criminal law definition...
to war. The type of control used could be anything from influencing the enemy to physically destroying the enemy.
External links
- Military Strategy: A General Theory of Power Control at Google Books http://books.google.com/books?id=LpYWYCJge1kC&lpg=PP1&dq=%22joseph%20caldwell%20wylie%22&pg=PP1#v=onepage&q&f=false
- J.C. Wylie at the U.S. Naval Institute http://www.usni.org/heritage/wylie.asp
- History of USS Fletcher - Includes discussion of J.C. Wylie's role in the creation of the Combat Information CenterCombat Information CenterThe Operations Room is the tactical center of a warship or AWAC aircraft providing processed information for command and control of the near battle space or 'area of operations'...
- Executive Officer’s letter regarding the loss of USS Juneau on November 13, 1942 http://ussfletcher.org/jcwylie.html - letter by J.C. Wylie on World War II incident involving USS Fletcher