The Dynamics of Doctrine: The Changes in German Tactical Doctrine During the First World War

The Dynamics of Doctrine is Leavenworth Papers No. 4, published by the Combat Studies Institute at Fort Leavenworth. This paper is a case study in the wartime evolution of tactical doctrine that provides both a summary of German infantry tactics of the First World War and insight into the crucial role of leadership in facilitating doctrinal change during battle.

Lupfer examines how the Imperial German Army on the western front changed tactical doctrine significantly on two occasions: in the winter of 1916-1917 when OHL adopted a new elastic defense-in-depth in response to Allied offensive tactics, and in the winter of 1917-1918 when OHL developed a new offensive tactical doctrine in hopes of achieving a decisive victory.

The paper remains a widely cited work in military studies, used at military academies and war colleges around the world. It demonstrates how institutional learning and doctrinal adaptation can occur under the pressures of combat, with implications for modern military organizations.