Introduction A tactical formation (or order) is the arrangement or deployment of moving military forces such as infantry, cavalry, armoured vehicles, military aircraft, or naval vessels. Formations were found in tribal societies such as the pua rere of the Māori, and ancient or medieval formations which include shield walls (skjaldborg in Old Norse), phalanxes (lines… Read More
Introduction An insurgency is a violent, armed rebellion by small, lightly armed bands who practice guerrilla warfare against a larger authority. The key descriptive feature of insurgency is its asymmetric nature: small irregular forces face a large, well-equipped, regular military force state adversary. Due to this asymmetry, insurgents avoid large-scale direct battles, opting instead to… Read More
Introduction Cyberwarfare is the use of cyber attacks against an enemy state, causing comparable harm to actual warfare and/or disrupting vital computer systems. Some intended outcomes could be espionage, sabotage, propaganda, manipulation or economic warfare. There is significant debate among experts regarding the definition of cyberwarfare, and even if such a thing exists. One view… Read More
Introduction An offset is some means of asymmetrically compensating for a disadvantage, particularly in a military competition (refer to Military Strategy). Rather than match an opponent in an unfavourable competition, changing the competition to more favourable footing enables the application of strengths to a problem that is otherwise either unwinnable or winnable only at unacceptable… Read More
Introduction A military exercise, training exercise, or war game is the employment of military resources in training for military operations. Military exercises are conducted to explore the effects of warfare or test tactics and strategies without actual combat. They also ensure the combat readiness of garrisoned or deployable forces prior to deployment from a home… Read More
Introduction Tunnel warfare involves war being conducted in tunnels and other underground cavities. It often includes the construction of underground facilities in order to attack or defend, and the use of existing natural caves and artificial underground facilities for military purposes. Tunnels can be used to undermine fortifications and slip into enemy territory for a… Read More
Introduction In naval warfare, a “fleet in being” is a naval force that extends a controlling influence without ever leaving port. Were the fleet to leave port and face the enemy, it might lose in battle and no longer influence the enemy’s actions, but while it remains safely in port, the enemy is forced to… Read More
Boot Camp & Military Fitness Institute 