General Pershing’s Elements of Operational Art End state: Advance on the western front to cut German railway lines from Metz to Sedan and past 3 rd German line of defense. Condition: Pershing had a full delegation of command and emplaced measures to ensure coordination with both the French Army and Wilson was established. COG: The German Army (O) OP Approach: Direct, offensive movement using the element of surprise. Decisive Points: Mobilization planning, quick maneuver through restricted terrain, mutual support of 3 U.S. corps and the French 4 th Army. Basing: LOO: Make 2 deep penetrations through German lines around Montfaucon and then, press to the Hindenburg Line/3 rd line, including its eastern section. OP Reach: Traffic jams & communications issues mar the attacks. Tempo: Initial objectives achieved surprise but the effort bogged down requiring major reorganization. Simultaneity/Depth: Continued attacks throughout October, 1918 allowed the Allied forces to advance as weakened German forces fought on multiple fronts. Phasing/Transitions: Mobilization, penetration of frontier, large scale battle. 1918: Final plans agreed by Allies. r 1918: Initial attack. I and III Corps achieve objectives. r 1918: V Corps achieves Montfaucon but second and third line of German defenses holds. 1918: Pershing & Liggett reorganize into a Second Army. 1918: Reorganized Armies press to central Argonne. er 1918: Local attacks straighten Allied lines. 1918: 3 rd German defensive line broken. er 1918: First Army prepares to advance across a wide front. 1918: US reaches hills overlooking Sedan. 1918: Armistice declared. EOA 8: Meuse-Argonne 1918 Timeline: