This thesis examines success in amphibious operations. Previous research suggests that parts of existing theories on success in amphibious operations are no longer applicable due to the impact of modern weapons. Instead, the use of maneuver warfare theory is increasingly advocated for as a mean to achieve success in amphibious operations. Accordingly, this thesis examines Leonhards combined arms theory, by testing it in a comparative case study against the historical amphibius assaults on Inchon and Anzio, in order to assess the theory's explanatory power in such operations.
The result indicates that all of the theory's principles were applied in the Inchon assault, whereas none were applied fully or constantly in the Anzio assault. The study therefore concludes that the theory has an explanatory power for success in amphibious assault, and that a continuous application of its principles is necessary for success.