Tactical
Tactical
Context:
This strategy is designed for use in asymmetric warfare or conflicts where a
smaller, more mobile force is facing a larger, more entrenched enemy. It is ideal
for a situation where a decisive engagement can be avoided by forcing the enemy to
spread themselves thin, make mistakes, and eventually collapse under the weight of
their own confusion.
Key Components:
Phase One – "The Shadow" (Deception and Movement)
Objective: To mislead the enemy about the true location of the main force and
create false engagements to draw them into a vulnerable position.
Action:
A small, highly mobile scout force of light infantry or fast-moving units is sent
out to engage in hit-and-run tactics, ambushes, and feints along the outer edges of
the enemy’s territory. These forces are equipped with long-range radios and drones
for real-time communication and surveillance.
Electronic Warfare (EW) or cyber disruption may be employed to confuse enemy
sensors, slow communications, or simulate larger movements.
Feigned radio chatter or misinformation is broadcasted to create the illusion of a
much larger force preparing to strike from a direction opposite to the actual point
of attack.
Goal: To pull the enemy’s forces into multiple directions, misdirecting their
attention and scattering their resources, while also making them less likely to
detect the true threat.
Action:
The main body of the force moves quickly from multiple angles, cutting off key
supply lines, communication hubs, or vital choke points. This is done in such a way
that the enemy believes the attack is coming from multiple locations, not just one.
The wings of the main assault force are designed to move in such a way that they
form a "C"-shaped arc around the enemy, closing in from the sides and flanks.
The center of the enemy line, now distracted and potentially stretched thin, is
left lightly engaged, luring them deeper into the trap. The real pressure comes
from the flanks and rear.
Goal: The enemy, feeling pressure from multiple angles, will be forced to shift
troops and resources rapidly. This creates disorganization and vulnerabilities in
their defenses, as they try to adapt to an attack they didn't anticipate.
Action:
Once the wings of the assault have reached their positions, a fast-moving reserve
force is used to block retreat paths or reinforce key points. If the enemy tries to
withdraw or reposition, they will be funneled into killing zones or confronted with
heavier opposition.
The use of artillery strikes, precision air support, or indirect fire is key during
this phase, targeting supply depots, command centers, and retreat routes to further
disorient the enemy and keep them from regrouping.
Psychological tactics are heavily emphasized. Loudspeaker broadcasts, leaflets, or
cyber campaigns could spread fear, creating confusion and fear among the enemy’s
rank-and-file (e.g., fake messages about their leadership being captured, or news
of a surrounding force they hadn’t anticipated).
The reserve force will maintain pressure, preventing the enemy from regrouping or
retreating, while the assault wings gradually close the "claw."
Goal: The enemy’s lines are now breached, and their forces are surrounded. They may
attempt a disorganized retreat, but are now highly vulnerable and either forced to
surrender or break apart.
Action:
Once the majority of the enemy force is surrounded or in disarray, elite shock
troops or specialized units move in to neutralize key targets. These can include
commanders, remaining strongholds, or escape routes.
The remaining enemy forces are either captured or destroyed through close-quarters
combat, ambushes, or controlled demolitions of strategic positions (such as
bridges, tunnels, or fortifications).
Psychological warfare continues, amplifying the sense of defeat. The remaining
enemy soldiers may be demoralized by the certainty of their impending capture or
death.
Goal: To deliver a decisive blow, forcing the enemy to either surrender or face
complete annihilation. The battle ends with the enemy force being completely
neutralized, while your forces remain intact and ready for follow-up operations.
Encirclement: The method of double envelopment (attacking both flanks and rear)
forces the enemy into a trap, where they are unable to effectively counterattack or
retreat.
Surprise & Speed: By moving quickly and unpredictably, your forces can disrupt the
enemy's ability to coordinate, making it easier to overwhelm them.
When to Use:
Context:
This tactic is designed for highly mobile forces that operate behind enemy lines or
within hostile territory, where the goal is to create confusion and panic without
engaging in full-scale battle. Ideal for situations where you need to force an
enemy into an emotional and psychological breakdown—leading them to make rash, ill-
advised decisions.
Objective: To lull the enemy into a false sense of security before delivering the
final, devastating blow.
Action:
Temporary Retreat: After several rapid strikes, pull back and appear to “pause.”
Leave a few small, non-threatening signs of retreat (destroyed equipment, empty
positions), so the enemy thinks you’ve withdrawn.
Leadership Targeting: At the same time, use intelligence to identify the enemy’s
top leaders or decision-makers. Plan a targeted strike on their command structure,
either through assassination, abduction, or an attack that incapacitates their
ability to lead.
Resumed Attacks: Once the enemy has started to relax and regroup, initiate a full-
scale assault on their command center or fortified position, overwhelming them
before they can react.
Goal: The sudden, devastating offensive, combined with the psychological disarray
caused by your earlier feints and disruption, will force the enemy into a
breakdown, surrender, or full retreat.
Strengths of "The Silent Tempest":
The focus on psychological warfare makes this tactic more about disrupting the
enemy’s internal coherence rather than destroying them outright.
It’s ideal for small, highly mobile forces or guerrilla-style tactics that rely on
stealth and unpredictability.
Forces the enemy into error-prone decision-making, where panic and confusion take
over, and the enemy becomes ineffective.
Strategy 2: "The Iron Fist and Velvet Glove"
Objective: To control key terrain features while simultaneously applying both
forceful dominance and negotiation to achieve a position of power without fully
exhausting resources.
Context:
This tactic is designed for territorial control, particularly when dealing with
urban, industrial, or strategic regions. The goal is to hold key positions in a way
that forces the enemy to either engage in direct conflict or negotiate for peace,
knowing that a prolonged conflict will cost them dearly.
Objective: To quickly take and hold critical positions, then reinforce them with
strong defensive measures.
Action:
Shock-and-Awe Assaults: Use a high-intensity assault on key strategic locations
(such as bridges, power plants, or military bases). The assault focuses on speed
and overwhelming firepower to break through the enemy’s defenses with minimal
resistance.
Heavy Equipment: Use tanks, artillery, and air support to secure the area, quickly
establishing a fortified defensive perimeter around the most crucial positions.
Securing Resources: Immediately take control of resources within the area—securing
supplies, energy sources, or transportation hubs—which can then be used as leverage
in future negotiations.
Goal: To create a stronghold that commands critical infrastructure and forces the
enemy into a situation where they must either engage in prolonged fighting or give
up ground.
Phase 2 – "The Velvet Glove" (Coercion and Diplomacy)
Objective: After securing the area with overwhelming force, shift focus to
negotiation and diplomatic pressure while maintaining military dominance.
Action:
Establishing Influence: Deploy a small contingent of highly skilled negotiators or
diplomats to engage with the enemy’s political or military leadership. Offer them
terms of peace or compromise, but make it clear that any refusal will result in
further military escalation.
Public Relations: Use psychological warfare and media control to influence public
opinion. By controlling the narrative, portray your forces as the legitimate
authority in the region, while casting the enemy as destabilizing forces.
Localized Support: Engage with local populations to maintain order and support for
your control, providing essential services, security, and support while offering
incentives for peaceful cooperation.
Goal: Force the enemy into a corner where they must either acknowledge your
territorial control or risk a drawn-out, costly war with no guarantee of success.
Phase 3 – "The Golden Path" (Consolidation and Long-Term Stability)