BATTLES ARE WON BY KILLING THE ENEMY AND NOT BY DYING. A STRATEGIC ANALYSIS

BATTLES ARE WON BY KILLING THE ENEMY AND NOT BY DYING. A STRATEGIC ANALYSIS

By
Capt. Alfred Oluwasegun Oniye. (Post-PhD MSSM. PhD SMCTS. PhD MSSM) FNIS. FILHR. FIoE. FAISM
*Dean of Faculty, City University *Anti-piracy Security Head, Trident Group America Inc

The adage “Battles are won by killing the enemy and not by dying” underscores the fundamental principle of military strategy: achieving victory through the effective neutralization of the adversary. This paper explores the strategic, tactical, and psychological dimensions of this principle, examining historical examples and contemporary military doctrines. It also addresses the ethical considerations and the impact of modern warfare technologies on this age-old concept.

Introduction:

Military strategy has always revolved around the objective of defeating the enemy while minimizing one’s casualties. The statement “Battles are won by killing the enemy and not by dying” encapsulates this objective, emphasizing the importance of offensive actions and the preservation of one’s forces. This paper aims to comprehensively analyse this principle, drawing on historical case studies, strategic theories, and modern military practices.

Historical Context:

Throughout history, successful military campaigns have often hinged on the ability to inflict maximum damage on the enemy while preserving one’s forces. For instance, the tactics employed by Alexander the Great, Napoleon Bonaparte, and the Allied forces during World War II demonstrate the effectiveness of aggressive strategies aimed at overwhelming the enemy.

·         Alexander the Great: Using the phalanx formation and cavalry charges allowed him to decisively defeat larger armies by concentrating force at critical points.

·         Napoleon Bonaparte: His emphasis on rapid maneuvers and the concentration of artillery firepower enabled him to disrupt and destroy enemy formations.

·         World War II: The Allied strategy of combined arms operations, including air superiority and mechanized infantry, was crucial in defeating Axis powers.

Strategic and Tactical Dimensions:

The principle of winning battles by killing the enemy involves several strategic and tactical considerations

1. Offensive Operations: Offensive strategies aim to seize the initiative, disrupt enemy plans, and force the adversary into a reactive posture. This includes surprise attacks, flanking maneuvers, and deep penetration into enemy territory.

2. Force Multiplication: Utilizing technology, intelligence, and superior tactics to amplify the effectiveness of one’s forces. Examples include the use of drones, precision guided munitions, and electronic warfare.

3. Psychological Warfare: Demoralizing the enemy through psychological operations, propaganda, and displays of overwhelming force. The objective is to break the enemy’s will to fight, leading to surrender or retreat.

4. Logistics and Supply Lines: ensuring the continuous flow of supplies, reinforcements, and medical support to maintain combat effectiveness. Disrupting the enemy’s logistics can cripple their ability to sustain operations.

Ethical Considerations:

While the principle of killing the enemy to win battles is a core tenet of military strategy, it raises important ethical questions. The laws of armed conflict and international humanitarian law seek to balance military necessity with the protection of non-combatants and the humane treatment of prisoners of war. Ethical considerations include:

·         Proportionality: Ensuring that the use of force is proportional to the military objective and does not cause excessive collateral damage.

·         Distinction: Differentiating between combatants and non-combatants to minimize harm to civilians.

·         Necessity: Using force only when necessary to achieve a legitimate military objective.

Impact of Modern Warfare:

“Technologies

Advancements in technology have transformed the nature of warfare, influencing the application of the principle “Battles are won by killing the enemy and not by dying.” Key developments include:

·         Precision-Guided Munitions: These allow for targeted strikes with minimal collateral damage, enhancing the effectiveness of offensive operations.

·         Unmanned Systems: Drones and autonomous vehicles reduce the risk to human soldiers while increasing the ability to conduct surveillance and strike operations.

·         Cyber Warfare: Disrupting enemy communications, command and control systems, and critical infrastructure through cyber-attacks can achieve strategic objectives without traditional kinetic operations.

Conclusion:

The principle that battles are won by killing the enemy and not by dying remains a cornerstone of military strategy. Historical examples and contemporary practices demonstrate the importance of offensive operations, force multiplication, and psychological warfare in achieving victory. However, ethical considerations and the impact of modern technologies must be carefully managed to ensure that military actions align with international laws and humanitarian principles. By understanding and applying this principle within the context of modern warfare, military leaders can effectively plan and execute operations that achieve strategic objectives while minimizing unnecessary loss of life.