Battle Of Stalingrad Battle Analysis

Introduction

The purpose of this battle analysis is to understand how intelligence plays a key role in

military operations using the Battle of Stalingrad as the focus of study. First point to consider is

Hitler failed to heed the intelligence given to him by General Friedrich Paulus which resulted in

the surrender of the German sixth army. A second point is that the Soviets maintained a very

effective military deception campaign that allowed for a build-up of forces unknown to the

Germans. Finally, the third point is if General Paulus was able to maintain air superiority and

strengthen intelligence capabilities, the sixth army could have helped reinforce the eastern front.

An analysis of the Battle of Stalingrad reveals that
Hitler continued to require the sixth army to hold position and wait

for relief, but soon failed and the sixth army surrendered to the Soviets, signifying the end of the

Battle of Stalingrad.

Significance of the Battle of Stalingrad

Hitler knew that success on the eastern front against the Soviets was critical for Germany

to further advance their agenda on the western front against the Allies. The Battle of Stalingrad

was a major morale killer for the German war machine and also used up a huge amount of their

resources such as fuel (Fowler, 2005). This was the first major defeat the Germans experienced

and strengthened the resolve of the Soviets in retaking their previously lost territory. Germany

had essentially lost the eastern front of the war to the Soviets who would now advance towards

Berlin and assist the allies in defeating Germany during the Second World War.

Alternate Outcome Introduction

When deploying the correct intelligence assets at the right place and the right time, there

can be no denying the effect on the tide of battle this can have. Germany and the Soviets both

had access to many intelligence capabilities to help turn the tide of the Battle of Stalingrad.
At this point the eastern front is at risk for the the Soviets and the

Germans have a renewed energy for the western front, possibly lengthening the second world

war or ultimately winning.

Conclusion

In conclusion, an analysis of the Battle of Stalingrad shows that military intelligence

plays a key role in how the Germans and Soviets determined the outcome of battle. Hitler was

known not to listen to his Generals unless there was information strong enough to prove him

otherwise. The Soviets had a very effective military deception campaign that kept the Germans

from discovering their build-up of strength and capabilities, but when this campaign is altered

and not as effective, it gives the Germans an upper hand. The German sixth army was unaware

of the magnitude of the Soviet counteroffensive and held their position within Stalingrad. This

changes if German intelligence collection is successful through effective air and land

reconnaissance and communications interception. The first great defeat of the German war

machine happened at Stalingrad, but if intelligence was changed, could have been the first great

success on the eastern front and changed the tide of