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Study Guide: The Evolution and Components of Military Tactics

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The Evolution and Components of Military Tactics Study Guide

Core Principles of Military Tactics

Military tactics are concerned with the art of organizing and employing forces primarily at the strategic level of warfare.

Answer: False

Explanation: Tactics pertain to the organization and employment of forces at the battlefield level, distinct from the strategic level which defines overarching war aims. The source clarifies tactics are the lowest echelon of warfighting.

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The four principal battlefield functions comprising military tactics are firepower, mobility, protection, and shock action.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source explicitly identifies kinetic firepower, mobility, protection (or security), and shock action as the four fundamental battlefield functions that constitute military tactics.

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Tactics are considered the highest echelon of warfighting, responsible for defining the overarching objectives of a conflict.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source clearly states that tactics represent the lowest level of warfighting, subordinate to operational and strategic levels, which are responsible for defining broader objectives.

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Shock action within military tactics is exclusively a physical phenomenon, devoid of psychological ramifications.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source explicitly states that shock action is both psychological and physical, aiming to overwhelm the enemy through sudden impact, and can be amplified by surprise.

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Surprise is a key element that can amplify the effectiveness of shock action.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source identifies surprise as a significant factor that can amplify the effectiveness of shock action.

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According to the source, what are the four core battlefield functions that define military tactics?

Answer: Kinetic firepower, mobility, protection, and shock action.

Explanation: The source explicitly lists kinetic firepower, mobility, protection, and shock action as the four principal battlefield functions constituting military tactics.

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Which level of warfare is most directly concerned with the art of organizing and employing fighting forces on the battlefield?

Answer: Tactical level

Explanation: The source defines tactics as the art of organizing and employing fighting forces specifically on or near the battlefield, identifying it as the lowest level of warfighting.

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Which of the following is considered a key element that amplifies 'shock action' in military tactics?

Answer: The element of surprise.

Explanation: The source explicitly states that shock action can be significantly amplified by the element of surprise.

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What does the concept of 'shock action' emphasize in military tactics?

Answer: The psychological and physical impact of a sudden, forceful attack.

Explanation: The source defines shock action as emphasizing the psychological and physical impact of an attack, aiming to overwhelm the enemy through sudden, forceful application of power.

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Which of the following are NOT considered distinct from military tactics according to the source?

Answer: Command and control

Explanation: The source explicitly states that tactics are distinct from command and control and logistics, implying that command and control is not considered part of the core tactical functions themselves, unlike mobility and protection.

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Historical Trajectories of Tactical Functions

The historical trajectory of kinetic firepower has advanced from rudimentary melee implements to sophisticated guided munitions and aerial platforms.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source details the evolution of kinetic firepower from early weapons to modern systems like guided missiles and aircraft, confirming this progression.

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The rifled musket diminished the accuracy and range of infantry firepower, thereby rendering assaults less formidable.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source indicates that the rifled musket significantly enhanced infantry firepower by increasing accuracy and range, making attacks more challenging without support, not less.

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Infantry firepower was considered decisive on its own even in the earliest forms of warfare.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source states that infantry firepower was initially limited and not decisive on its own, becoming increasingly significant only with technological advancements.

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Modern kinetic firepower relies solely on infantry-carried weapons and artillery.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source indicates that modern kinetic firepower involves a combination of assets, including tanks, armored vehicles, guided weapons, and military aircraft, not solely infantry weapons and artillery.

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Historical military mobility was primarily limited by the speed of infantry marching, typically around 32 kilometers per day.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source confirms that historical military mobility was largely constrained by infantry marching speeds, generally limiting daily movement to approximately 32 kilometers.

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Significant improvements in tactical mobility began with the widespread adoption of the tank during World War I.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source indicates that substantial enhancements in tactical mobility commenced in the later stages of World War I with the introduction and adoption of the tank.

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Personal protection in warfare has undergone a significant evolution, progressing from early iterations such as body armor and horse barding in classical eras to the reintroduction of helmets during World War I.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source details the evolution of personal protection from classical body armor and horse barding to the reintroduction of helmets in WWI and later widespread body armor.

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The principal limitations of historical personal armor resided in its considerable weight and bulk.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source identifies the weight and bulk of historical personal armor as its primary drawbacks, significantly impacting mobility and endurance.

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The central narrative in the historical evolution of military tactics is the perpetual recalibration of equilibrium among the four core functions: firepower, mobility, protection, and shock action.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source posits that the core theme in tactical development is the shifting balance between firepower, mobility, protection, and shock action, driven by technological change.

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Massed volley fire by archers significantly amplified infantry firepower during the late 13th century, notably observed in Japanese military engagements, predating the widespread prominence of English longbowmen.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source highlights massed volley fire by archers in late 13th-century Japanese warfare as an early demonstration of enhanced ranged infantry firepower.

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The advent of gunpowder during the late Medieval and Early Modern periods precipitated a sustained transition wherein infantry firepower evolved into a decisive, and frequently dominant, force on the battlefield.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source explains that gunpowder's introduction led to infantry firepower becoming increasingly decisive, citing the Battle of Nagashino as a prime example.

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How has the role of infantry firepower evolved according to the text?

Answer: It was initially limited but became increasingly significant with technological advancements like volley fire and machine guns.

Explanation: The source explains that infantry firepower was initially limited but grew in significance through developments like disciplined volley fire, the rifled musket, and machine guns.

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What historical factor significantly limited the speed of military forces for much of history?

Answer: The marching speed of infantry soldiers.

Explanation: The source identifies the marching speed of infantry soldiers, typically around 32 kilometers per day, as the primary constraint on military mobility for much of history.

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Which technology marked the beginning of substantial improvements in tactical mobility in the later stages of World War I?

Answer: The tank

Explanation: According to the source, the widespread adoption of the tank during the later stages of World War I marked the beginning of significant improvements in tactical mobility.

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What was a significant drawback of historical personal armor?

Answer: It significantly hampered the wearer's mobility and endurance due to weight and bulk.

Explanation: The source identifies the considerable weight and bulk of historical personal armor as its primary limitation, significantly impacting the wearer's mobility and endurance.

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The Battle of Nagashino in 1575 is cited as a prime example of the impact of what on warfare?

Answer: The decisive role of massed arquebusiers (infantry firepower).

Explanation: The source cites the Battle of Nagashino in 1575 as a prime example demonstrating the decisive impact of massed arquebusiers, highlighting the growing importance of infantry firepower.

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What is the fundamental relationship between military tactics and technological advancement?

Answer: Technological advancements necessitate the evolution of tactical approaches and shift the balance of tactical functions.

Explanation: The source explains that technological advancements significantly influence tactical development, necessitating the evolution of approaches and altering the balance of tactical functions.

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How did the rifled musket impact infantry attacks?

Answer: It increased accuracy and range, making attacks more challenging without support.

Explanation: The source explains that the rifled musket's increased accuracy and range made infantry attacks more challenging without supporting arms like artillery.

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Tactical Cycles and Epochs

J. F. C. Fuller proposed models suggesting tactical cycles based on the dominance of shock versus projectile warfare.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source confirms that J. F. C. Fuller proposed models of 'tactical cycles' predicated on the dominance of shock versus projectile warfare.

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The 'First Armoured Period' was characterized by the ascendancy of tanks and armored vehicles.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source indicates the 'First Armoured Period' was characterized by the dominance of infantry, not tanks or armored vehicles.

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Light cavalry, such as horse archers, dominated the 'Second Unarmoured Period' due to their superior mobility and shock action against infantry.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source confirms that light cavalry, like horse archers, dominated the 'Second Unarmoured Period' due to their mobility and shock action against infantry.

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The high cost of heavy cavalry was a minor factor in its decline during the 'Second armoured period'.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source identifies the high cost of heavy cavalry as a significant factor limiting its dominance and contributing to its decline during the 'Second Armoured Period'.

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According to historian J. F. C. Fuller, tactical cycles were based on the dominance of what type of warfare?

Answer: Shock versus projectile warfare.

Explanation: The source states that J. F. C. Fuller proposed models of tactical cycles based on the dominance of shock versus projectile warfare.

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What fighting arm dominated during the 'Second unarmoured period' (according to Fuller/Wintringham models)?

Answer: Light cavalry (e.g., horse archers).

Explanation: The source indicates that light cavalry, such as horse archers, dominated the 'Second Unarmoured Period'.

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What factor significantly limited the dominance of heavy cavalry in the 'Second armoured period'?

Answer: The high cost associated with fielding heavy cavalry units.

Explanation: The source identifies the high cost of heavy cavalry as a significant factor that limited its dominance and contributed to its decline during the 'Second Armoured Period'.

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What characterized the tactical trends during the 'First unarmoured period' (to 479 BC)?

Answer: Limited kinetic power of infantry and cavalry, focus on army organization.

Explanation: The source describes the 'First Unarmoured Period' as characterized by a focus on army organization and equipment, with limited kinetic power for infantry and cavalry, although chariots provided some shock action.

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The Integration of Modern Arms

German combined arms tactics during the initial phases of World War II predominantly employed overwhelming infantry assaults.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source indicates that German combined arms tactics in early WWII effectively integrated firepower from machine guns, tanks, indirect fire, and air attacks, rather than relying solely on infantry assaults.

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During the 'Third Unarmoured Period,' infantry remained the dominant fighting arm, with increasing firepower and the development of combined arms tactics.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source states that during the 'Third Unarmoured Period,' infantry maintained dominance with increasing firepower, alongside the development of combined arms tactics and predominant artillery firepower.

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Armored forces re-established mobility during the 'Third Armoured Period' but were ultimately countered.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source indicates that while armored forces restored mobility in the 'Third Armoured Period,' this advantage was subsequently countered by advancements in military aircraft and infantry anti-armor weapons.

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Combined arms tactics entail the synchronized integration of diverse military fighting arms, including infantry, artillery, armour, and aviation, towards the attainment of a shared tactical objective.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source defines combined arms tactics as the synchronization and integration of various military components like infantry, artillery, armor, and aviation to achieve common objectives.

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A critical tenet for the efficacy of combined arms operations is ensuring all constituent elements possess markedly disparate levels of mobility.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source states that a key principle for combined arms effectiveness is ensuring similar levels of mobility, firepower, and protection across elements, not disparate levels.

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British commanders were generally more expeditious than their German counterparts in fully adopting combined arms tactics during World War II.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source indicates that German commanders grasped combined arms tactics early in WWII, while British commanders were slower to adopt them.

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Since the concluding phases of World War I, air power has fundamentally reshaped military tactics.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source confirms that air power, particularly since WWI, has fundamentally altered military tactics through close air support, reconnaissance, and interdiction.

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Rotary-wing aircraft (helicopters) have predominantly served troop transport roles, exerting minimal influence on tactical firepower.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source states that rotary-wing aircraft have significantly impacted tactics by enhancing both firepower and mobility, functioning as a distinct fighting arm.

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Vertical envelopment operations are tactically constrained due to the diminished mobility and firepower often experienced by airborne-delivered troops post-landing.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source identifies reduced mobility and firepower for airborne troops after landing as a significant tactical limitation of vertical envelopment operations.

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How did German combined arms tactics in early World War II create psychological shock effects?

Answer: By combining machine gun fire, tank firepower, indirect fire, and air attacks.

Explanation: The source explains that German combined arms tactics in early WWII created psychological shock by integrating machine gun fire, tank firepower, indirect fire, and air attacks.

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Which period saw infantry as the dominant arm with steadily increasing firepower, alongside the development of combined arms tactics?

Answer: Third unarmoured period

Explanation: The source states that during the 'Third Unarmoured Period,' infantry remained dominant with increasing firepower, and combined arms tactics began to develop.

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What countered the restored mobility provided by armored forces in the 'Third armoured period'?

Answer: Advancements in military aircraft and infantry anti-armor weapons.

Explanation: The source indicates that advancements in military aircraft and infantry anti-armor weapons countered the mobility restored by armored forces in the 'Third Armoured Period'.

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What is a critical principle for achieving maximum effectiveness in combined arms tactics?

Answer: Maintaining similar levels of mobility, firepower, and protection across elements.

Explanation: The source identifies maintaining similar levels of mobility, firepower, and protection across all participating elements as a key principle for maximizing the effectiveness of combined arms tactics.

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How did British commanders' understanding of combined arms tactics compare to German commanders during WWII?

Answer: German commanders grasped them early, while British commanders were slower.

Explanation: The source indicates that German commanders had a clear grasp of combined arms tactics early in WWII, whereas British commanders were noted as being slower to fully adopt these principles.

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What tactical advantage did close air support provide during World War II?

Answer: It enhanced ground operations with aerial firepower and reconnaissance.

Explanation: The source explains that close air support during WWII significantly enhanced ground operations by providing aerial firepower, improving reconnaissance, and neutralizing enemy air power.

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What is a significant tactical limitation of air assault operations like vertical envelopment?

Answer: Troops delivered by air can have reduced mobility and firepower upon landing.

Explanation: The source identifies reduced mobility, protection, and firepower for airborne-delivered troops post-landing as a significant tactical limitation of vertical envelopment operations.

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What role did artillery firepower and combined arms play in the 'Third unarmoured period'?

Answer: Artillery firepower became predominant, and combined arms tactics developed.

Explanation: The source indicates that in the 'Third Unarmoured Period,' artillery firepower became increasingly predominant, and combined arms tactics began to develop alongside infantry's increasing firepower.

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Applied Tactics and Contemporary Challenges

Military engineers primarily facilitate tactical mobility through the construction of infrastructure and the creation of obstacles.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source states that military engineers influence tactical mobility by creating field obstacles designed to impede enemy movement, rather than by providing faster transport.

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Collective protection is achieved through fortifications, which have been used since ancient times.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source confirms that fortifications, including modern examples like entrenchments and minefields, serve as measures for collective protection and have historical precedents.

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How do military engineers typically influence tactical mobility?

Answer: By creating field obstacles to impede enemy movement.

Explanation: The source specifies that military engineers influence tactical mobility primarily by creating field obstacles designed to impede enemy forces.

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Which of the following has been a consistent tactical consideration throughout historical military engagements?

Answer: The effective utilization of terrain.

Explanation: The source lists the effective utilization of terrain as a tactical consideration that has remained constant throughout military history.

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What is the objective of 'gray-zone' tactics?

Answer: To achieve objectives below the threshold of conventional warfare.

Explanation: The source defines gray-zone tactics as activities operating below the threshold of conventional warfare, aimed at achieving objectives through ambiguous means.

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How is terrain strategically leveraged within tactical doctrine, according to the provided text?

Answer: By leveraging natural features for offensive or defensive advantages.

Explanation: The source explains that terrain is utilized tactically by leveraging natural features for both offensive and defensive advantages, influencing maneuver, concealment, and channeling enemy movements.

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What was the strategic purpose of a camouflaged observation post, exemplified by the German World War I instance?

Answer: To conceal military personnel and equipment from enemy detection.

Explanation: The source states that disguised observation posts, like the German WWI example, serve to conceal military personnel and equipment from enemy detection, aiding intelligence gathering.

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