Every War Tactic Explained in 8 Minutes

Summary

This script delves into various military tactics across different eras, from the sniper trap and salvo fire to modern techniques like creeping barrage and blitzkrieg. It explores defensive maneuvers like holding down position and tank descent, as well as offensive strategies including envelopment and oblique order. The summary also touches on reconnaissance, ambush, and the evolution of air support in warfare, offering a comprehensive look at the art of battle.

Takeaways

• 🎯 The 'sniper trap' tactic involves intentionally wounding an enemy to draw more units into a field of fire for subsequent attacks.
• 🌊 'Salvo' is a surprise attack technique where all cannons fire simultaneously, particularly effective in naval warfare for visibility and range setting.
• ⛰ 'Hold down position' is a defensive tactic where tanks use terrain to minimize exposure, but it has limitations and can hinder offensive transitions.
• 💥 'Creeping barrage' provides infantry cover by advancing artillery fire gradually, but requires precise coordination to prevent friendly fire.
• 🚀 'Blitz' is a rapid, overwhelming attack used by Germans in WWII, focusing on breaking through enemy lines with concentrated mechanized forces.
• 🕳 'Foxholes' are defensive positions for infantry, camouflaged to provide cover and are effective against blitzkrieg tactics.
• 🔥 'Recon by fire' involves firing on suspected enemy positions to elicit reactions and confirm their presence or absence.
• 🌀 'Single envelopment' and 'pincer movement' are tactics where forces attack from the front and sides to encircle and trap the enemy.
• 📉 'Oblique order' is a flanking maneuver where part of the army draws attention while another part advances obliquely to break through enemy lines.
• 🏹 'Feigned retreat' is a deceptive tactic where troops pretend to retreat to lure the enemy into a vulnerable position, but it risks becoming a real retreat.
• 🛡️ 'Bounding Overwatch' is a tactical movement under fire, alternating between providing cover fire and maneuvering to advance positions.

Q & A

What is the primary objective of a sniper trap in warfare?

The primary objective of a sniper trap is to intentionally wound an enemy combatant to draw more enemy units into the field of fire, allowing the sniper to take them out as they provide aid.

What is the purpose of the 'Salvo' technique in naval warfare?

The 'Salvo' technique aims to surprise the enemy and defeat them quickly by having all cannons fire at the same time, which is particularly effective in naval combat because multiple splashes are more visible than a single one, aiding in setting the firing range.

How does the 'hold down position' technique benefit a tank in combat?

The 'hold down position' technique involves a tank using the terrain to its advantage, such as getting on the back slope of a hill or using covers, to minimize its exposure to the enemy, making only the barrel visible and thus harder to target.

What is the 'creeping barrage' and how does it assist infantry?

The 'creeping barrage' is a tactic where artillery fire gradually advances to provide cover for infantry moving towards enemy trenches. It's safer than direct artillery on trenches as most were resistant, and it helps to keep barbed wires and defenders intact.

What was the 'Blitz' technique and how was it used during World War II?

The 'Blitz' technique was a rapid, overwhelming force concentration used by the Germans during World War II, involving mechanized and motorized infantry and armor. Its goal was to break through enemy lines rather than attacking the front line directly, utilizing artillery and close air support to unbalance the enemy.

What is a 'foxhole' and how does it serve in combat?

A 'foxhole' is a hole where two infantry can position themselves to cover and hide when enemies are near. It's effective for ambushes due to the camouflage applied to the opening, with variations like German turrets or Japanese limited space enhancing its effectiveness.

What is the purpose of 'recon by fire' in military tactics?

Recon by fire involves firing on likely enemy positions to provoke a reaction, which helps confirm the enemy's presence or absence at those locations.

Can you explain the 'single envelopment' tactic?

The 'single envelopment' tactic involves one decoy division attacking the front while another division maneuvers to the enemy's back from the sides, cutting off reinforcements and attacking from the rear.

What is the 'feigned retreat' and how does it work?

The 'feigned retreat' is a tactic where troops pretend to retreat to lure the enemy into a vulnerable position, often turning into a real retreat if troops lose coherence.

What is the 'inverted wedge' and how does it function in combat?

The 'inverted wedge' involves the weak center retreating slowly under enemy pressure while the wings push forward to try to encircle the enemy, placing great responsibility on the wings for the maneuver's success.

What is the significance of 'bounding overwatch' in tactical movement?

Bounding overwatch is a tactic where a team splits into two parts: one providing overwatch and the other maneuvering. Once the moving part reaches its destination, they switch roles, allowing for safe advancement under fire.