WarFighting Flashcards
Objective of war
Impose will on enemy. May range from large military forces to unconventional hostilities
Nature of war
war define
War is defined as a violent clash of interest between and among organize groups. The essence of war is a violent struggle between two hostile independent irreconcilable wills each trying to impose itself on the other
Effects of limited information on squad
Friction, uncertainty, unpredictability, fluidity, and disorder should be taken into account
Friction
Difficult factors you experience while accomplishing your mission in an operational environment. Factors may be external such as whether or effective enemy fire. May also be self-induced such as lack of clearly defined goals, lack of coordination, poor command relationships.
Friction: external
Natural terrain, weather, enemy action.
Friction: internal
Lack of a clearly defined goal, coordination, complicated plans, complicated technologies, complex task organization and or command relationships
Minimizing friction
Through fighting more effectively
Experience, strength of mine, focus on enemy, training.
Experience
Through experience we appreciate the force of will necessary to overcome friction. Develops realistic appreciation for what is possible in war and what is not.
Strength of mind
Essential means to overcome friction is the will.
Focus on the enemy
Raise enemies friction to a level that weakens ability to fight
Training
Approximate the conditions of war. It can never fully duplicate the level of friction of real combat
Uncertainty and unpredictability
All actions in war take place in an atmosphere of uncertainty-or the fog of war.
Uncertainty defined
Unknowns about the enemy, environment, even friendly situation. War prevents you from eliminating them. Actions and what are often based on incomplete, contradictory, or even inaccurate information.
Unpredictability defined
By judging probability, you make an estimate of your enemies plans and act accordingly. Those actions that seem unlikely have the greatest impact on the outcome of war.
Uncertainty: elements
Nonlinearity, risk, chance
Uncertainty: Nonlinearity
Causes and effects are disproportionate.