The term tactics, according to Merriam-Webster, is defined as “the science and art of disposing and maneuvering in combat...[or] the art or skill of employing available means to accomplish an end” (2015). When it comes to discussing the importance of realistic tactics training several ideas come to mind. First there is the old cliché that is frequently used in the United States Army reminding us to “train as we fight”, which highlights the need to keep training realistic to how we will fight so that when the employment of the training is needed, the proper actions will follow. Second, the notion of the importance of realistic tactics training serves as a reminder of the importance of truth as it applies to battlefield ramifications. If training
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If one is realistic in both of these areas the way that one plans their flight routes, altitudes, and reactions to enemy encounters, among many other aspects, will be impacted. The question may arise then, how is one to ensure that tactics training is realistic? It must all start with the pursuit of accurate information on the threat. Further, one can rely on Army intelligence sources, supplemented by internet searches, and any other means of performing due diligence, in order to ensure that the best and most accurate information available is obtained. Ultimately, there is no absolute assurance that one can have as to their knowledge and picture of the battlefield, the enemy, and their capabilities. However, the closer one comes to developing the correct picture of all of this, the better that the friendly forces can train on the tactics to either defeat the enemy capabilities, or at least, minimize friendly exposure to harm in the process of conducting mission …show more content…
It was interesting to see that you and I went in a very similar direction with our posts. Primarily in the quote regarding training, as well as the “train as you fight” concept which also came to my mind as I addressed the discussion criteria. You did differ however, in drawing upon historical references from Viet Nam War as well as the Cold War. One item that you covered that I found particularly interesting was your discussion on the fact that our country’s armed forces have been at war for nearly 15 years, and I do completely agree that such a long sustained effort can take a toll on the readiness and resolve of our force, especially following a drawdown. Soldiers have shared their stories of making the transition from deployment to garrison life as the counter-insurgency wars have wound down and equated it to a reduction in pace and purpose (Shanker, 2014). This change of pace may lead to some falling in the trap of becoming complacent, however, just as surprising as the attacks of September 11th, 2001 were, the next unexpected event that our adversaries perpetrate against us may lead to yet another era of war with a more formidable foe. It is important that our Army does not fail to prepare for the ever-changing battlefield with its new emerging threats that continue to require us to change the way we conduct operations.
Reference:
Shanker, T. (2014). After years at
If one is realistic in both of these areas the way that one plans their flight routes, altitudes, and reactions to enemy encounters, among many other aspects, will be impacted. The question may arise then, how is one to ensure that tactics training is realistic? It must all start with the pursuit of accurate information on the threat. Further, one can rely on Army intelligence sources, supplemented by internet searches, and any other means of performing due diligence, in order to ensure that the best and most accurate information available is obtained. Ultimately, there is no absolute assurance that one can have as to their knowledge and picture of the battlefield, the enemy, and their capabilities. However, the closer one comes to developing the correct picture of all of this, the better that the friendly forces can train on the tactics to either defeat the enemy capabilities, or at least, minimize friendly exposure to harm in the process of conducting mission …show more content…
It was interesting to see that you and I went in a very similar direction with our posts. Primarily in the quote regarding training, as well as the “train as you fight” concept which also came to my mind as I addressed the discussion criteria. You did differ however, in drawing upon historical references from Viet Nam War as well as the Cold War. One item that you covered that I found particularly interesting was your discussion on the fact that our country’s armed forces have been at war for nearly 15 years, and I do completely agree that such a long sustained effort can take a toll on the readiness and resolve of our force, especially following a drawdown. Soldiers have shared their stories of making the transition from deployment to garrison life as the counter-insurgency wars have wound down and equated it to a reduction in pace and purpose (Shanker, 2014). This change of pace may lead to some falling in the trap of becoming complacent, however, just as surprising as the attacks of September 11th, 2001 were, the next unexpected event that our adversaries perpetrate against us may lead to yet another era of war with a more formidable foe. It is important that our Army does not fail to prepare for the ever-changing battlefield with its new emerging threats that continue to require us to change the way we conduct operations.
Reference:
Shanker, T. (2014). After years at