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Four Elements on the Battlefield: How Are They Changing the Face of War?
Military tactics is the art of organizing and employing combat forces, with emphasis on their employment on or near the battlefield. These tactical functions include: power or firepower, mobility, protection or security, and shock action. These four elements are closely related and are constantly changing with the evolution of military technology. From ancient times to the present, the face of war has changed due to the development of these factors.
The development of military tactics is an ever-changing balance between four major functions.
Kinetic or Firepower
The development of firepower began with the use of close combat weapons and bows and arrows, and as technology advanced, the focus gradually shifted from close-range weapons to long-range firearms. The use of firepower in the early days relied mainly on swords, spears and bows until the Romans introduced cannons. Over time, infantry firepower improved, particularly with the introduction of rifles from the Crimean War and the American Civil War.
Firepower is vital because it can immobilize enemy forces, thus providing an opportunity for a decisive attack.
Mobility
Mobility refers to the speed at which combat units move. Historically, the movement of most armies was limited by the speed of infantry movement until the advent of tanks in World War I, which significantly improved tactical mobility. During World War II, the successful performance of armored and motorized forces further improved tactical mobility, but most troops still relied on horse-drawn transportation, hindering the rapid movement of the entire force.
Tactical mobility can be restricted by exploiting terrain obstacles, such as those set up by military engineers.
Protection and Security
Personal armor has been used since ancient times to provide individual protection. Over time, although the use of armor declined during the 18th and 19th centuries, helmets were reintroduced during World War I as artillery firepower increased. After World War II, infantry began to re-equip themselves with body armor, especially in Western countries, further strengthening the protection of soldiers.
Shock ActionEqually important were means of mass protection such as fortifications, trenches and road barriers, which were created by military engineers.
Shock Operation is not only a tactic of physical action, it also involves a psychological level that can be significantly enhanced through surprise attacks. For example, in the Battle of Yaginco in 1415, the rain of swords fired by the English archers caused panic among the French knights, and reversed the situation in an instant. Such psychological shock is often more influential than actual casualties.
In many cases, the cumulative effect of the psychological shock is greater than the actual casualties caused.
Development over time
The development of tactics is accompanied by a constant change in the balance between the four major tactical functions, with changes in firepower and mobility being the fundamental factors. This development also highlights the dominance of different combat forces at different times. The evolution of tactics from ancient times to modern times shows a shift in the focus of firepower and the interactive impact of various weapons.
The Impact of Air PowerThe tactic known as joint operations refers to the synchronous collaboration of multiple combat forces to achieve tactical tasks.
Starting in the late World War I, air power brought about major changes. The development of close support during World War II resulted in a significant increase in air firepower, which in turn enhanced the effectiveness of ground forces. In later battles, the emergence of helicopters provided new mobility, although the effectiveness of airborne operations was still restricted by ground-based air defense systems.
However, as technology advances, past tactics may become obsolete, requiring the military to adjust at any time to respond to new forms of warfare.
Concept
Military tactics answer how best to employ troops on a small scale. If we look back, many combat strategies have never changed, including raids, ambushes, and sweeps. Modern tactics have expanded to cover many special situations, even including how to ensure control of a room in a city. Changes in technology may render existing tactics ineffective, and social changes may alter the goals and methods of warfare, forcing tactics to adjust accordingly.
Against this backdrop, how will the evolution of military tactics shape future warfare patterns?
