What is Revolution in Military Affairs?

Introduction A revolution in military affairs (RMA) is a hypothesis in military theory about the future of warfare, often connected to technological and organisational recommendations for military reform. Broadly stated, RMA claims that in certain periods of the history of humankind, there were new military doctrines, strategies, tactics and technologies which led to an irrecoverable… Read More

What is Swarming (Military)?

Introduction Swarming (or Fight en fourrageur) is a battlefield tactic designed to maximise target saturation, and thereby overwhelm or saturate the defences of the principal target or objective. Defenders can overcome attempts at swarming by launching counter-swarming measures that are designed to neutralise or otherwise repel such attacks. Military swarm attacks is often encountered in… Read More

What is the International Society of Military Sciences?

Introduction The International Society of Military Sciences (ISMS) is an international organisation whose stated aim is to build a strong network for the creation, development, exchange and diffusion of research and knowledge about war, conflict management and peace support efforts. The ISMS was founded in October 2008. The Austrian National Defence Academy, the Royal Military… Read More

What is the (Belgium) Royal Military Academy?

Introduction The Royal Military Academy (French: École royale militaire, Dutch: Koninklijke Militaire School) is the military university of Belgium. The institution is responsible for the education of the officers of the five components of the Belgian defence forces (Army, Air Force, Cyber, Navy, Medical) and is located in Brussels in a building constructed by the… Read More

What is the École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr?

Introduction The École spéciale militaire de Saint-Cyr (ESM, literally the “Special Military School of Saint-Cyr”) is a French military academy, and is often referred to as Saint-Cyr. It is located in Coëtquidan in Guer, Morbihan, Brittany. Its motto is Ils s’instruisent pour vaincre, literally meaning “They study to vanquish” or, more freely put, “Training for… Read More

What is a (Military) Barrage?

Introduction In military usage, a barrage is massed sustained artillery fire (shelling) aimed at a series of points along a line. In addition to attacking any enemy in the kill zone, a barrage intends to suppress enemy movements and deny access across that line of barrage. The impact points along the line may be 20-30… Read More