What was a Combat Box?

Introduction The combat box was a tactical formation used by heavy (strategic) bombers of the US Army Air Forces (USAAF) during World War II. The combat box was also referred to as a “staggered formation”. Its defensive purpose was in massing the firepower of the bombers’ guns, while offensively it concentrated the release of bombs… Read More

What is Command and Influence?

Introduction Command and influence is a component of Military C2 (‘Command and control‘) and is a key aspect of Terrorist Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures. Definition Chris Flaherty in 2003 distinguished the concept of command and influence, as a component of Military C2 (‘command and control’), in the following terms: “Influence, is fundamental to effective Command… Read More

What are Interposing Tactics?

Introduction Interposing Tactics is tactical concept, developed under Terrorist Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures, to explain a tactical action where a small-scale action takes place between two combatants, where one manoeuvres into interposition or interjection within a tactical situation, and disrupts the action or activity, of the opponent. Origin In the game of chess, for example,… Read More

What are Mimicking Operations?

Introduction Mimicking operations is a tactical concept, developed under Terrorist Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures, to explain a form of deception, commonly used by terrorists in their attacks. The concept is commonly used in military tactical modelling and scientific simulation; and is connected to the idea of shielding friendly forces (as well as foes) from detection… Read More

What is Mouse-Holing?

Introduction Mouse-holing is a tactic used in urban warfare in which soldiers create access to adjoining rooms or buildings by blasting or tunnelling through a wall. The tactic is used to avoid open streets since advancing infantry, caught in enfilade, are easily targeted by machine-gun and sniper fire. Another purpose is to reach enemy troops… Read More

What are Fifth Dimension Operations?

Introduction The Fifth Dimension of Warfare complements the four classical dimensions: land, sea, air, and space. It was enunciated in 1995 as information operations. Core US Military Doctrine This is part of core US military doctrine, that recognises at least five dimensions, or ‘domains of warfare’ for which it is responsible: The origin of the… Read More