Naval tactics
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Maneouvring the inferior force
It is reasonably rare to find both sides equally matched. Although in our context, it's common for both sides to be equipped with at least one aircraft carrier, equal matching rarely occurs. It therefore comes down to the commander of the inferior force to maneouvre his forces in a manner that allows him to fight on equal terms with his superior opponent. Although Sun Tzu recommended never to disperse ones forces, Sun Tzu did not have to deal with modern naval electronic warfare.
The first question is whether the inferior force should mass, or disperse. In the case of mass, they will achieve a greater density of defensive and offensive power. on the other hand, given the enemy's superiority, this defensive and offensive power will always be weaker. In other words, if the two opposing forces came to blows, the inferior one, disregarding force majeure, would always lose.
The obvious choice, then, is that an inferior naval force should always disperse. Why?
1. Defensive power will always be weaker than enemy offensive power. Also mass will make the force easier to detect.
2. Dispersing divides the superior forces offensive power and weakens it. Also dispersion is more difficult to detect.
3. A dispersed force has a geographical intelligence advantage due to ESM cross-fixing. A dispersed force will have better reconnaissance, actual recce assets notwithstanding.
4. Although a dispersed force is open to defeat-in-detail, defeat-in-detail is better than a decisive defeat for three reasons:
a. It delays the outcome of the battle. An inferior force is rarely intending to lose quickly.
b. It allows for preservation of some assets, rather than total destruction of all assets.
c. It allows for a greater loss:kill ratio for the inferior force.
An inferior force should, some unknown advantage notwithstanding, always be looking to delay the advance of a superior force until relief can arrive or a non-military outcome can be achieved. It is therefore advantageous for the superior force to discover the inferior force as soon as possible. An inferior force can therefore wait for a superior force to radiate first, giving them an ELINT advantage. If the superior commander is aware that his inferior opponent has dispersed, he will be aware of the possibility of his flanks being open, or of enemy units stalking or lurking undetected near his force, as he extends his advance. He will therefore make every effort to detect the enemy.
Intelligent application of counter-surveillance tactics by the inferior commander will frustrate the superior commander until the point has arrived when the inferior force has a strong fix of the enemy, at which point it can make a multi-axis attack. Fighting a delaying action can bring a number of advantages: the discovery of the objective of the superior commander might be made, signals intelligence might reveal new information, and so on. If the inferior commander wastes his force immediately he might discover the next day vital information that could have led to a more balanced outcome.
The role of the commander of an inferior naval force is to disperse his forces as widely as possible to avoid detection, to enact counter-surveillance via low emissions, to discover the location of the superior force and prepare a counterattack, and above all, to be patient, patient, patient.
The first question is whether the inferior force should mass, or disperse. In the case of mass, they will achieve a greater density of defensive and offensive power. on the other hand, given the enemy's superiority, this defensive and offensive power will always be weaker. In other words, if the two opposing forces came to blows, the inferior one, disregarding force majeure, would always lose.
The obvious choice, then, is that an inferior naval force should always disperse. Why?
1. Defensive power will always be weaker than enemy offensive power. Also mass will make the force easier to detect.
2. Dispersing divides the superior forces offensive power and weakens it. Also dispersion is more difficult to detect.
3. A dispersed force has a geographical intelligence advantage due to ESM cross-fixing. A dispersed force will have better reconnaissance, actual recce assets notwithstanding.
4. Although a dispersed force is open to defeat-in-detail, defeat-in-detail is better than a decisive defeat for three reasons:
a. It delays the outcome of the battle. An inferior force is rarely intending to lose quickly.
b. It allows for preservation of some assets, rather than total destruction of all assets.
c. It allows for a greater loss:kill ratio for the inferior force.
An inferior force should, some unknown advantage notwithstanding, always be looking to delay the advance of a superior force until relief can arrive or a non-military outcome can be achieved. It is therefore advantageous for the superior force to discover the inferior force as soon as possible. An inferior force can therefore wait for a superior force to radiate first, giving them an ELINT advantage. If the superior commander is aware that his inferior opponent has dispersed, he will be aware of the possibility of his flanks being open, or of enemy units stalking or lurking undetected near his force, as he extends his advance. He will therefore make every effort to detect the enemy.
Intelligent application of counter-surveillance tactics by the inferior commander will frustrate the superior commander until the point has arrived when the inferior force has a strong fix of the enemy, at which point it can make a multi-axis attack. Fighting a delaying action can bring a number of advantages: the discovery of the objective of the superior commander might be made, signals intelligence might reveal new information, and so on. If the inferior commander wastes his force immediately he might discover the next day vital information that could have led to a more balanced outcome.
The role of the commander of an inferior naval force is to disperse his forces as widely as possible to avoid detection, to enact counter-surveillance via low emissions, to discover the location of the superior force and prepare a counterattack, and above all, to be patient, patient, patient.
Combined arms at sea
Combined arms at sea
Maritime area denial
Maritime area denial