Evolution of Fleet/Naval Tactics in Naval Warafre

“War is a matter of vital importance to the state; a matter of life and death, the road to survival or to ruin. Hence, it is imperative that it be thoroughly studied”
- Sun Tzu

Any Naval officer and anyone having general interest in the maritime warafare will find this research on the fleet/naval tactics a very useful one.

I have done the elaborate research and shall unveil all my findings gradually for you. Just to give you a glimpse, i shall highlight the followings:

1. Fleet/naval tactics in the age of Galley

2. Fleet/naval tactics in the age of Sail

3. Fleet/naval tactics in the age of Steam

4. Fleet/naval tactics in World War I

5. Fleet/naval tactics in World War II

6. Fleet/naval tactics in post World War

I shall also cover the followings for your better understanding:

7. The trends, constants and the variables of fleet/naval tactics

8. Modern fleet.naval tactics

All these writes up will be duly supported by giving various references, maps and figures.

Assessing your replies and interest, i shal further go into the details of analysis and finally shall draw some conclusions and recommendations for your naval career.

As for today............let me give you all an idea of what we are going to talk about, why and how. So, here comes the INTRODUCTION.

INTRODUCTION

1. The etymological root of the word tactics is the Greek “taktika”, meaning “matters pertaining to arrangement.” The traditional definition of tactics is “the art or science of disposing of or manoeuvring forces in relation to each other and the enemy, and employing them in battle.”[1] Categorically, tactics refers to the handling of forces in battle. The phrase fleet tactics, synonymous with naval tactics in many studies deals with the operations involving coordination between multi ships and aircraft. Fleet tactics is the collective name for employment of force, methods of engaging and defeating an enemy fleet in battle at sea.[2] It concerns combat in which maritime issues are at stake.

2. Fleet tactics has significantly evolved since the age of sail. It is no more limited to the manoeuvre only but has evolved greatly since the First World War. Position and range of enemy are vital tactical ingredients and manoeuvring is the tool of command in establishing the position for effective attack. The effective fleet tactics are closely knitted with the rapid development of technology. Hence a prerequisite for developing good tactics is sound knowledge of naval technology and how weapon works. Sound tactics are aimed to achieve the full potentials of forces.

3. A through understanding of the evolution of fleet tactics needs a careful study of the history, technology, analytical methods and expertise. History is the best means in comprehending the chronological development of tactics. Besides, operational analysis is also required to formulate the best tactics for a battle. As for the analytical methods, they must be both qualitative and quantitative. The trends, constants and the variables of fleet tactics are to be studied carefully for the qualitative analysis. These are essential to understand the dynamics of the naval warfare. Geometry and the mathematics are also to be clearly understood for the quantitative analysis. History, technology and analysis are the tools of theory. To apply them in the fleet, they have to be combined with three other ingredients; operational skills, exercises and the knowledge of a battle’s immediate goal. The execution of tactics on the battlefield is matter of leadership that captures the hearts and minds of seamen. The leadership blends the tactical doctrine, human resources, technology and comprehends the essence of central maxim of naval combat; attack effectively first. Leadership, doctrine, tactical and technological know how and attacking first are the cornerstones of fleet tactics. Today, as in Nelson’s time, all these elements must be integrated to fight as a cohesive team. Sound tactics, extensive training, and careful planning will win a great victory when they are accompanied by an unwavering determination to inflict and accept losses.[3] Therefore, a foundation of tactical theory is essential. The historical lessons then can be used to understand the key process of naval battle; firepower, manoeuvre, scouting and command and control.

References:
[1] Captain Wayne P. Hughes Jr, USN (retd), Fleet Tactics and Coastal Combat. Second edition, U. S. Naval Institute Press, Annapolis, Maryland, 2000. p 7.
[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naval_tactics, February 2008.
[3] Hughes, op cit, p 25.