Military Tactics and Strategy - Breakthru - Tip of the Sword

Military Tactics
• Advancing • Retreating • Flanking Maneuver • Pincer Movement (pinch) • Feint
• Rotating your Forces (cycling) • Blitzkrieg • Breakthru • Leapfrogging
• Divide & Conquer • Center Peel • Infiltration • Encirclement • Breakout
• Bait & Bleed (camping) • Fabian Strategy

BREAKTHRU | Military Tactics

Breakthru: The act, result, or place of breaking through against an opposing force, as in warfare_[16]

Breakthru
The Breakthru is an attack that attempts to "breakthrough" the enemy lines, while secondary forces prevent reserves from joining the battle.

Similar to blitzkrieg, but intead of continuing forward the flanks turn outward to cutoff the enemy flanks. If your flanks are strong enough, the breakthru is a very good counter to the pincer movement.

The Breakthru works on the same initial principal as Blitzkrieg, and can be referred to by many names, such as force concentration, tip of the spear, and penetration warfare. Whatever you call it, the concept remains the same, concentrate an overwhelming amount of forces to break an enemy defensive position; usually one of strategic and/or tactical importance.

A successful breakthru opens a "window of opportunity" to perform a variety of tactical maneuvers, many of which can leave the enemy at a disadvantage. A commander may choose to attempt to flank or encircle all or part of the enemy force, or continue forward to strike into the heart of enemy territory. _[17]

Uses in History
HOW THIS TACTIC HAS BEEN USED

Operation Overlord

• 1944 - D-Day Invasion - Operation Overlord
Winston Churchill said that Operation Overlord was "undoubtedly the most complicated and difficult" ever undertaken. With nearly three million troops involved, it was an incredible feat of organization - and the first step towards the liberation of Western Europe and the defeat of Nazi Germany. _[17¼]

Counter Tactics
HOW TO COUNTER THIS TACTIC

• Retreating
If you are unprepared to defend against the size/scale of an attack, you can always concede the territory and retreat to a position that will give you a better chance at victory.

• Reconnaissance
It's a good idea to use some form of reconnaissance at all times, so that you have a reasonable degree of intel regarding the size and location of enemy forces. A variety of special ops, a spare supply truck, or a stray regiment can all accomplish this task. If you are informed of battlefield conditions you'll be prepared for the battle to come.

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• Pincer Movement (pinch)
Many times the pincer movement is setup by a feined retreat, designed to trick the enemy into advancing into a trap. Open a gap, and when the enemy thinks they have achieved a breakthru, close the gap and encircle them.

• Infiltration
Use a small force or special operations to infiltrate enemy territory, to destroy or interrupt their supply lines; or attack vital base structures.

• Entrenchment
Hardened "entrenched" defenses can hold off an attack force much larger than it's own, or may make the enemy reconsider advancing at this time and place altogether.

• Zone of Supply
Whenever possible fight within your zone of supply, which not only offers the chance to heal the instant you retreat, but also offers a better view of the battlefield; allowing a commander more time to plan and prepare for enemy attacks.

• Operational Coordination
Proper communication regarding enemy troop movements and tactics can help to counter just about any threat.

• Terrain
Use impassable terrain such as mountains, and natural choke-points on the map, to your advantage. If your enemies must attack make them attack in areas that are hard to operate in.

In Axis and Allies RTS
USING THIS TACTIC IN THE FIELD

• Use the "Fog of War" to your advantage
For the breakthru to be successful, it is imperative the enemy does not see you coming. Use any area that has not been supplied by enemy forces, and catch them by surprise!!

• Feint
Use a diversionary maneuver or attack to lure the enemy into defending another area, then launch your main attack in the weakened area.

• Operational Coordination
Operational Tactics are tactics and maneuvers coordinated with your allies, and when executed successfully, are usually more decisive in terms of victory; than tactics that occur in head-to-head isolation play. Once again communication is key, but play your cards right and you may be able to achieve an operational flanking maneuver, and destroy an entire enemy division; instead of just a couple regiments.

• Special Ops
A variety of Special Ops will aid in any breakthru attempt, including but not limited to: assembly line, mechanized advance, mechanized and armored resupply, fighting spirit, smoke barrage, and of course the blitzkrieg of

Rommel and

Kesselring.

• Airpower
Airpower can be used to attack ground units, usually late in the game when all valuable buildings are protected by anti-air defenses. If targeting enemy units, keep in mind to outright "kill" most armored regiments, it will require two airstrikes, which will cost you more than it costs the enemy to replace it; so best to coordinate with an offensive push, special op bomb, or a simultaneous attack on their armor hq's for maximum effect and kills.

"Appear at points which the enemy must hasten to defend; march swiftly to places where you are not expected."
^{Sun Tzu, the Art of War [weak points and strong]}

"There is no instance of a country having benefited from prolonged warfare."
^{Sun Tzu, the Art of War [waging war]}

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REFERENCES | Military Tactics

Breakthru

[16] Definition: Breakthrough - Websters New World Dictionary 1984 pg174
[17]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breakthrough_(military)
[17¼]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/worldwars/wwtwo/launch_ani_overlord_campaign.shtml

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^{Sun Tzu, the Art of War}

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