Introduction Military tactics encompasses the art of organising and employing fighting forces on or near the battlefield. They involve the application of four battlefield functions which are closely related – kinetic or firepower, mobility, protection or security, and shock action. Tactics are a separate function from command and control and logistics. In contemporary military science,… Read More
“One must demand the impossible to ensure that the impossible will be achieved.” Field Marshal Helmut von Moltke (1800 to 1891) Helmuth von Moltke, in full Helmuth Karl Bernhard, Count (graf) von Moltke, was Chief of the Prussian and German General Staff (1858–88) and the architect of the victories over Denmark (1864), Austria (1866), and… Read More
“If the leader is filled with high ambition and if he pursues his aims with audacity and strength of will, he will reach them in spite of all obstacles.” Carl von Clausewitz (1780 to 1831) Carl Philipp Gottlieb von Clausewitz was a Prussian general and military thinker, whose work Vom Kriege (1832; On War) has… Read More
“No leader, however great, can long continue unless he wins victories. Without victories in battle all else is useless. To what then is success in battle due? In his great study of Marlborough Mr Winston Churchill says very truly: ‘The success of a commander does not arise from following rules or models. It consists in… Read More
“When the civil leadership is ignorant of military manoeuvres but shares equally in the command of armies, the soldiers get confused.” Sun Tzu (400 BCE to 301 BCE) Sunzi, Wade-Giles romanisation Sun-tzu, also spelled Sun Tzu, personal name Sun Wu, (flourished 5th century BC), reputed author of the Chinese classic Bingfa (The Art of War),… Read More
“The intelligent leadership of troops, and the ability to appreciate and predict the way operations develop call for firm and precise direction of forces. Any suggestion of the exercise of independent command by junior commanders is unacceptable. Not knowing the general situation, junior commanders are likely to take decisions incompatible with it; and this may… Read More
“Carefully study the well-being of your men, and do not overtax them. Concentrate your energy and hoard your strength. Keep your army continually on the move and devise unfathomable plans.” Sun Tzu (400 BCE to 301 BCE) Sunzi, Wade-Giles romanisation Sun-tzu, also spelled Sun Tzu, personal name Sun Wu, (flourished 5th century BC), reputed author… Read More
Boot Camp & Military Fitness Institute 