Intro to Tactics - Tactical Fundamentals Flashcards

1
Q

Define Tactics?

A

The art & science of winning engagements & battles, per MCDP 1-3.

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2
Q

What are the six tactical tenets?

A
  1. Achieving a decision.
  2. Gaining an advantage.
  3. Being faster.
  4. Adapting.
  5. Cooperating.
  6. Exploiting success & finishing.
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3
Q

Define the art of tactics?

A

The art of tactics lies in how we creatively form & apply military force in a given situation.

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4
Q

Define the science of tactics?

A

The science of tactics lies in the technical application of combat power.

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5
Q

What are the 9 Principles of War?

A
  1. Mass
  2. Objective
  3. Offensive
  4. Security
  5. Economy of force
  6. Maneuver
  7. Unity of command
  8. Surprise
  9. Simplicity
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6
Q

Define Mass?

A

The concept of concentrating the effects of combat power at the decisive place & time to achieve decisive results.

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7
Q

Define Objective?

A

Directing every military operation toward a clearly defined, decisive, & attainable objective.

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8
Q

Define Offensive?

A

The concept that we, as a fighting force, are continuously focused on seizing, retaining, & exploiting the initiative.

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9
Q

Define Security?

A

The concept of never permitting the enemy to acquire an unexpected advantage.

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10
Q

Define Economy of Force?

A

The concept of allocating minimum essential combat power to secondary efforts.

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11
Q

Define Maneuver?

A

The concept that we seek to place the enemy in a disadvantageous position through the flexible application of combat power.

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12
Q

Define Unity of Command?

A

The concept that for every objective, we ensure unity of effort under one responsible commander.

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13
Q

Define Surprise?

A

To strike the enemy at a time or place or in a manner for which he is unprepared.

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14
Q

Define Simplicity?

A

The concept that the preparation of clear uncomplicated plans; and clear concise orders, ensures thorough understanding & therefore ease of execution.

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15
Q

How do we ‘Achieve a Decision’?

A
  1. Understand the situation.
  2. Analytical decision making.
  3. Intuitive decision making (pattern recognition).
  4. Acting decisively.
  5. Shaping the battlefield.
  6. Designating a Main Effort.
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16
Q

How de we ‘Gain an Advantage’?

A
  1. Through Mass & Technological Maneuver
  2. Through Time & Spatial Maneuver
  3. Through Psychological & Technological Maneuver
17
Q

How do we ‘Become Faster’?

A
  1. Speed

2. Tempo

18
Q

What are the 5 ways to increase speed & tempo?

A
  1. Simplicity
  2. Decentralization afforded by Unity of Command
  3. Experience & Communication
  4. Positioning leaders at points of friction
  5. Maneuver in time
19
Q

What are the two elements that make up experience?

A
  1. Implicit communication

2. Lateral communication

20
Q

How do we ‘Adapt’?

A
  1. Anticipation

2. Improvisation

21
Q

Define anticipation?

A

Having enough situational awareness (METT-TC) to understand a situation in advance & take preparatory action.

22
Q

Define improvisation?

A

Adapting to the situation at the spur of the moment, without time for preparation, & often based on intuition with less situational awareness.

23
Q

How do we ‘Cooperate’?

A
  1. Centralized Command
  2. Decentralized Command (preferred)
  3. Self-Discipline
24
Q

How do we ‘Exploit Success & Finish’?

A
  1. Consolidation
  2. Exploitation
  3. Pursuit
25
Q

What 3 elements allow Marines to be ‘strong finishers’?

A
  1. Aggressive mentally
  2. Understand Commander’s Intent
  3. Constantly look for gaps to exploit