A tentative model on effective army combat tactics

• The purpose of this study is to form a model on effective tactics. We selected five theorists, three of which also provided support from quantitative analysis on winning battles. The theorists all advocate the use of maneuver warfare, developed from the German WWII-approach.[1] The analysis indicates the importance of accomplishing a sequence in battle of surprise attacks, followed by shock action, and prompt exploitation in order to accomplish an organizational breakdown of enemy force. Tactical defeat is foremost a result of psychological reactions by the enemy rather than from physical destruction by superior material resources at the point of assault.German WW II approach covering both the tactical and operational level of German ground warfighting until 1945. This is still the theoretical bas in maneuver warfare including features such as mission-type orders (Auftragstaktik), decisive point, centre of gravity (Schwerpunkt) and intent (Absicht). We have pointed out important parts from the German WWII warfare (mechanized) style in a model, although not flawless, in our discussion on victory in battle.

Subject headings

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Annan samhällsvetenskap -- Övrig annan samhällsvetenskap (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Other Social Sciences -- Other Social Sciences not elsewhere specified (hsv//eng)

Keyword

winning in combat

maneuver warfare

surprise

shock

exploitation.

Krigsvetenskap

Krigsvetenskap

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)