Military strategy

Cimbrians and Teutons invasions

Genghis khan empire at his death

Charles Meynier - Entrée de Napoléon à Berlin. 27 octobre 1806

Waterloo Campaign map-alt3

Wellington at Waterloo Hillingford

Military strategy is the planning, coordination, and execution of operations to achieve a specific objective within the realm of warfare. It involves the application of tactics, the movement of personnel, equipment, and the use of forces to gain an advantage over the enemy. Military strategy has evolved over centuries, influenced by technological advancements, changes in warfare, and the political landscape.

History

The concept of military strategy dates back to ancient times, with early examples found in the works of Sun Tzu's The Art of War and Carl von Clausewitz's On War. These texts outline principles of warfare, such as the importance of deception, the element of surprise, and the moral aspects of war. Throughout history, military strategy has been shaped by the leaders and battles that defined their eras, from the phalanx formations of Ancient Greece to the blitzkrieg tactics of World War II.

Principles

Military strategy is underpinned by several core principles, including the objective, offensive, mass, economy of force, maneuver, unity of command, security, surprise, and simplicity. These principles guide strategists in planning and executing operations to ensure the efficient use of resources and the achievement of the desired outcome.

Types

Military strategy can be divided into several types, including:

• Grand Strategy: The overarching plan that encompasses the national interest and integrates military, diplomatic, and economic means.
• Theater Strategy: Focused on the direction of operations within a specific theater of war, balancing resources and objectives across multiple campaigns.
• Operational Strategy: Concerns the planning and conduct of campaigns, determining how battles and engagements are fought.
• Tactical Strategy: Involves the tactics and techniques used by small units on the battlefield, directly engaging with the enemy.

Modern Military Strategy

In the contemporary era, military strategy has had to adapt to the challenges posed by asymmetric warfare, cyber warfare, and the global nature of threats. Strategies now incorporate elements of information warfare, the use of drones, and the importance of winning the "hearts and minds" of civilian populations. The rise of non-state actors and the proliferation of nuclear weapons have also significantly influenced strategic planning.

Notable Strategists

Several military strategists have had a profound impact on the development of military thought, including:

• Sun Tzu, author of The Art of War
• Carl von Clausewitz, known for On War
• Alfred Thayer Mahan, who emphasized the importance of naval power
• Mikhail Tukhachevsky, who developed theories on deep operations and combined arms
• John Boyd, known for the OODA Loop concept

See Also

• Warfare
• Tactics
• Military history
• Military science