How Tactics Use Military Tactics

As Marines we cannot be successful on the battlefield without the use of tactics. Tactics is “the art and science of winning engagements and battles. “It includes the use of firepower and maneuver, the integration of different arms, and the immediate exploitation of success to defeat the enemy” (MCDP 1-3, Tactics, 1997, p. 3). Simply put this is how we gain victory of the enemy and win battles. Tactics use elements of maneuver warfare and coordinated fires to gain advantage to destroy the enemy. In war, “tactics is the application of combat power to defeat the enemy and battles” (MCDP 1-3, Tactics, 1997, p. 3). Tactics are not only used during a time of war, they can be used in many other ways. We don’t have to look far to see how tactics are used outside of a wartime environment. An example of tactics in a military operation other than war (MOOTW) would be, to provide a secure environment for the delivery of
With tanks, this is one of the most critical tools that separate us from many other threats. We have the capability to move faster and act quicker than our enemy. This keeps our enemy on its heels. Physical speed is a weapon in itself. With the ability to travel over rough, rugged terrain at over 45 miles per hour, we have the ability to “reduce the enemy’s reaction time” and it has the ability to impact the enemy’s mind “causing fear, indecision, and helplessness” (MCDP 1-3, Tactics 1997, p. 62). We do this by training in every clime and place. We become more proficient as tankers with training and experience. Experience plays a vital role into the use and success of speed throughout the tank platoon. Speed is what separates a good tanker from a great tanker. With experience, speed comes along ranging from target acquisition, to employment of your vehicle and weapon system. This is why generally the platoon sergeant is the most proficient in the platoon, due to his years of