The Principles of War can help us understand the connections between battles in 253 B.C. and 1992 A.D. They can also help analyze martial arts training and optimize the capabilities of a martial artist.
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The eighth letter in the MOOSEMUSS mnemonic stands for “Security”. On page 4-14 of U.S. Army Field Manual FM-3-0, “Security” is defined.
“Security
Never permit the enemy to acquire an unexpected advantage.
“4-46. Security protects and preserves combat power. It does not involve excessive
caution. Calculated risk is inherent in conflict. Security results from measures taken by a command to protect itself from surprise, interference, sabotage, annoyance, and threat ISR. Military deception greatly enhances security. The threat of asymmetric action requires emphasis on security, even in low-threat environments (see FM 3-13; FM 3-90; FM 3-07.2).”
The definition of “Security” in the Field Manual is accurate but not very precise. It had to be that way to boil “Security” down to a single sentence. There are two broad types of security; information security and physical security.
Information security requires that you know the enemy; his location, his capability, his state of readiness, and his intentions. It also requires that you deny the enemy like information about you.
Physical security requires guarding your vital points from attack including the capability of quickly shifting combat power to a threatened area. Physical security is always required but the less perfect is your information about the enemy the more physical security is required; you must guard more places and make available more combat power as guards.
J.E.B. Stuart’s very active cavalry provided General Robert E. Lee with information regarding the dispositions of Hooker’s army at Chancellorsville, including the fact that Hooker’s right flank was guarded only by a forest. Throughout the battle Stuart’s cavalry watched the Army of the Potomac to detect Union movements that might threaten the Confederate effort.
To succeed, Jackson’s assault on Hooker’s right had to be an assault on weakness at the actual time of the attack. Hours were required for Jackson’s Corps to get into position. If Hooker discovered the flanking maneuver too soon he could reposition his forces and repulse Jackson’s attack with heavy casualties. In the event, Lee’s information security was good. He knew Hooker’s dispositions and Hooker failed to learn Lee’s.
Hooker’s security, on the other hand, was poor. His inadequate physical security on his flank was the weakness perceived by J.E.B. Stuart and reported to Lee. His failure to rouse his cavalry to detect the maneuvers of the Army of Northern Virginia led directly to the disastrous collapse of his flank, heavy Union casualties, and set up Lee’s invasion of Pennsylvania.
Security, in Desert Storm was truly asymmetrical. Having complete command of the sky - aerial, satellite, and Special Operations reconnaissance provided Schwarzkopf with as complete an understanding of an enemy’s location, capability, state of readiness, and intentions as any military commander has ever had. At the same time, Saddam Hussein had only the vaguest idea of what was about to happen to him – and much of what he thought he knew was false.
For the martial artist training for competition information security means scouting his likely opponents. Through scouting, the martial artist can learn his opponent’s capabilities, habits, favorite techniques, and discover weaknesses.
During the contest, information security is watchfulness. He must detect the opponent’s movements, offensive and defensive, and correctly determine their nature and intent in order to launch a successful attack of his own.
Physical security in the contest means having a sufficiently ready and capable guard to defend or avoid an opponent’s sudden attack.
During an actual self defense situation information security is the same as the martial artist’s during his contest. So, also, is physical security in a self defense situation similar to the martial artist’s contest; although the stakes are must higher.
However, simple self defense starts long before an actual self defense situation. Information security before a situation means knowing where threats are likely. It means perceiving potential threats before you're attacked. And, it means being aware of your surroundings all the time.
Physical security for simple self defense likewise starts long before the self defense situation. It begins with self defense training so you know how to defend yourself. It includes arming yourself with practical self defense weapons and with the skills to use them. And, it includes practicing awareness of your surroundings and evaluating potential threats.
Security may be the most important Principle of War in simple self defense training.
“Never permit the enemy to acquire an unexpected advantage.”
Link to the Martial Arts Training Report: The Principles of War
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Principles of War: Unity of Command
The Principles of War can help us understand the connections between battles in 253 B.C. and 1992 A.D. They can also help analyze martial arts training and optimize the capabilities of a martial artist.
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The seventh letter in the MOOSEMUSS mnemonic stands for “Unity of Command”. On page 4-14 of U.S. Army Field Manual FM-3-0, “Unity of Command” is defined.
“Unity of Command
For every objective, ensure unity of effort under one responsible commander.
“4-44. Developing the full combat power of a force requires unity of command. Unity of command means that a single commander directs and coordinates the actions of all forces toward a common objective. Cooperation may produce coordination, but giving a single commander the required authority unifies action.”
Unity of Command does not mean there is only one leader in an organization. It means there is only one leader OF an organization. There may be scores, even thousands, of subordinate leaders all taking their ultimate direction from a single individual. This may seem obvious or even irrelevant, but it is neither.
There are many examples in history when the principle of Unity of Command was violated with horrific results to the violators.
Unity of Command can be violated in various ways. The classic case was the assignment of two men to command a Roman army on alternate days. This army met Hannibal’s Carthegians at Cannae and was literally annihilated.
Multinational coalitions frequently result in Unity of Command violations. Forces from some countries sometimes refuse to take orders from another country’s general.
But the most common violation of Unity of Command happens when a senior commander issues tactical orders to a subordinate unit bypassing the subordinate commander. This, I think, is the reason for the precise wording in the principle, “For every objective, ensure unity of effort under one responsible commander.” For every “objective” implies that when a subordinate is given an objective, resources, and other guidance in the form of an operations order, the senior commander must allow his subordinate to command. The senior commander must not “micro-manage” the subordinate’s battle.
This Unity of Command violation occurred many times in the skies over Viet Nam as Battalion Commanders in helicopters hovered over engaged Platoons giving orders to squad leaders. The Battalion Commander thought he could see the situation better – and often he could – but bypassing his subordinate leaders confused the troops on the ground. They received conflicting orders from different leaders. The result was confused actions and dispirited subordinate commanders.
At Chancellorsville Lee was the single undisputed commander of the Army of Northern Virginia. And Lee, master of the Principles of War, delegated the attack on Hooker’s flank to Jackson. It’s reported that after issuing the order, he asked Jackson with which of his units he would assault. Jackson’s answer was, “With my whole Corps, sir.” I’m certain that was exactly the answer Lee expected and hoped to hear. But the point is he asked the question. He didn’t dictate the answer. He let his very capable subordinate command the effort to secure the defined objective.
Schwarzkopf’s force in Desert Storm was more that ten times the size of Lee’s army at Chancellorsville and contained far more complex weapons systems and logistics. Nevertheless, Unity of Command was preserved. Schwarzkopf commanded the entire theater of war, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and all allied forces in the coalition. That he also respected the chain of command is apparent because when the Marines’ breakout went much faster than expected his reaction was to reinforce their success and protect their flank by accelerating the attack of VII Corps.
You might think Unity of Command has no place in simple self defense or martial arts. You would be wrong. In self defense one must be decisive. Immediate action is necessary. Hesitation could mean death – hence the saying, “He who hesitates is lost.”
Unity of Command in simple self defense means deciding in advance to fight to defend yourself or your loved ones. It means acting quickly and decisively under duress without questioning your capability, morals, or manners. It means committing yourself to winning (surviving with minimum damage to you and loved ones). It means understanding at a deep level General Douglas MacArthur’s words, “In war, there is no substitute for victory.”
“For every objective, ensure unity of effort under one responsible commander.”
Link to the Martial Arts Training Report: The Principles of War
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Unity of Command
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The seventh letter in the MOOSEMUSS mnemonic stands for “Unity of Command”. On page 4-14 of U.S. Army Field Manual FM-3-0, “Unity of Command” is defined.
“Unity of Command
For every objective, ensure unity of effort under one responsible commander.
“4-44. Developing the full combat power of a force requires unity of command. Unity of command means that a single commander directs and coordinates the actions of all forces toward a common objective. Cooperation may produce coordination, but giving a single commander the required authority unifies action.”
Unity of Command does not mean there is only one leader in an organization. It means there is only one leader OF an organization. There may be scores, even thousands, of subordinate leaders all taking their ultimate direction from a single individual. This may seem obvious or even irrelevant, but it is neither.
There are many examples in history when the principle of Unity of Command was violated with horrific results to the violators.
Unity of Command can be violated in various ways. The classic case was the assignment of two men to command a Roman army on alternate days. This army met Hannibal’s Carthegians at Cannae and was literally annihilated.
Multinational coalitions frequently result in Unity of Command violations. Forces from some countries sometimes refuse to take orders from another country’s general.
But the most common violation of Unity of Command happens when a senior commander issues tactical orders to a subordinate unit bypassing the subordinate commander. This, I think, is the reason for the precise wording in the principle, “For every objective, ensure unity of effort under one responsible commander.” For every “objective” implies that when a subordinate is given an objective, resources, and other guidance in the form of an operations order, the senior commander must allow his subordinate to command. The senior commander must not “micro-manage” the subordinate’s battle.
This Unity of Command violation occurred many times in the skies over Viet Nam as Battalion Commanders in helicopters hovered over engaged Platoons giving orders to squad leaders. The Battalion Commander thought he could see the situation better – and often he could – but bypassing his subordinate leaders confused the troops on the ground. They received conflicting orders from different leaders. The result was confused actions and dispirited subordinate commanders.
At Chancellorsville Lee was the single undisputed commander of the Army of Northern Virginia. And Lee, master of the Principles of War, delegated the attack on Hooker’s flank to Jackson. It’s reported that after issuing the order, he asked Jackson with which of his units he would assault. Jackson’s answer was, “With my whole Corps, sir.” I’m certain that was exactly the answer Lee expected and hoped to hear. But the point is he asked the question. He didn’t dictate the answer. He let his very capable subordinate command the effort to secure the defined objective.
Schwarzkopf’s force in Desert Storm was more that ten times the size of Lee’s army at Chancellorsville and contained far more complex weapons systems and logistics. Nevertheless, Unity of Command was preserved. Schwarzkopf commanded the entire theater of war, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and all allied forces in the coalition. That he also respected the chain of command is apparent because when the Marines’ breakout went much faster than expected his reaction was to reinforce their success and protect their flank by accelerating the attack of VII Corps.
You might think Unity of Command has no place in simple self defense or martial arts. You would be wrong. In self defense one must be decisive. Immediate action is necessary. Hesitation could mean death – hence the saying, “He who hesitates is lost.”
Unity of Command in simple self defense means deciding in advance to fight to defend yourself or your loved ones. It means acting quickly and decisively under duress without questioning your capability, morals, or manners. It means committing yourself to winning (surviving with minimum damage to you and loved ones). It means understanding at a deep level General Douglas MacArthur’s words, “In war, there is no substitute for victory.”
“For every objective, ensure unity of effort under one responsible commander.”
Link to the Martial Arts Training Report: The Principles of War
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Principles of War: Maneuver
The Principles of War can help us understand the connections between battles in 253 B.C. and 1992 A.D. They can also be used to analyze martial arts training and optimize the capabilities of a martial artist.
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The sixth letter in the MOOSEMUSS mnemonic stands for “Maneuver”. On page 4-14 of U.S. Army Field Manual FM-3-0, “Maneuver” is defined.
“Maneuver
Place the enemy in a disadvantageous position through the flexible application of combat power.
“4-43. As both an element of combat power and a principle of war, maneuver concentrates and disperses combat power to place and keep the enemy at a disadvantage. It achieves results that would otherwise be more costly. Effective maneuver keeps enemies off balance by making them confront new problems and new dangers faster than they can deal with them. Army forces gain and preserve freedom of action, reduce vulnerability, and exploit success through maneuver. Maneuver is more than just fire and movement. It includes the dynamic, flexible application of leadership, firepower, information, and protection as well. It requires flexibility in thought, plans, and operations and the skillful application of mass, surprise, and economy of force.”
Stonewall Jackson’s attack on Hooker’s right at Chancellorsville was a classic flanking maneuver undertaken while Lee maneuvered the balance of his Army of Northern Virginia to thinly cover the Union front.
Coalition maneuvers during Desert Storm were much more complex. But “the flexible application of combat power” was exemplified by VII Corps attacking earlier than originally planned. Schwarzkopf ordered VII Corps to attack early to secure the flank of the Marines who were moving into Kuwait much faster than expected; And to take advantage of the apparent confusion of the Iraqis.
Both commanders put the enemy “in a disadvantageous position through the flexible application of combat power.”
Maneuver, for simple self defense training, means move. Move to show the opponent a constantly shifting defense. Move to change the distance and angles to create opportunities for the opponent to make a mistake and open a vital target to attack.
It also means, for martial arts training, to attack and to threaten a variety of ever changing targets. It means to confuse the opponent or set up an attack sequence such as a boxing combination or kuzushi in Judo.
“Place the enemy in a disadvantageous position through the flexible application of combat power.”
Link to the Martial Arts Training Report: The Principles of War
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The sixth letter in the MOOSEMUSS mnemonic stands for “Maneuver”. On page 4-14 of U.S. Army Field Manual FM-3-0, “Maneuver” is defined.
“Maneuver
Place the enemy in a disadvantageous position through the flexible application of combat power.
“4-43. As both an element of combat power and a principle of war, maneuver concentrates and disperses combat power to place and keep the enemy at a disadvantage. It achieves results that would otherwise be more costly. Effective maneuver keeps enemies off balance by making them confront new problems and new dangers faster than they can deal with them. Army forces gain and preserve freedom of action, reduce vulnerability, and exploit success through maneuver. Maneuver is more than just fire and movement. It includes the dynamic, flexible application of leadership, firepower, information, and protection as well. It requires flexibility in thought, plans, and operations and the skillful application of mass, surprise, and economy of force.”
Stonewall Jackson’s attack on Hooker’s right at Chancellorsville was a classic flanking maneuver undertaken while Lee maneuvered the balance of his Army of Northern Virginia to thinly cover the Union front.
Coalition maneuvers during Desert Storm were much more complex. But “the flexible application of combat power” was exemplified by VII Corps attacking earlier than originally planned. Schwarzkopf ordered VII Corps to attack early to secure the flank of the Marines who were moving into Kuwait much faster than expected; And to take advantage of the apparent confusion of the Iraqis.
Both commanders put the enemy “in a disadvantageous position through the flexible application of combat power.”
Maneuver, for simple self defense training, means move. Move to show the opponent a constantly shifting defense. Move to change the distance and angles to create opportunities for the opponent to make a mistake and open a vital target to attack.
It also means, for martial arts training, to attack and to threaten a variety of ever changing targets. It means to confuse the opponent or set up an attack sequence such as a boxing combination or kuzushi in Judo.
“Place the enemy in a disadvantageous position through the flexible application of combat power.”
Link to the Martial Arts Training Report: The Principles of War
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Principles of War – Economy of Force
The Principles of War can help us understand the connections between battles in 253 B.C. and 1992 A.D. They can also be used to analyze martial arts training and optimize the skills and capabilities of a martial artist.
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Economy of Force
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The fifth letter in the MOOSEMUSS mnemonic stands for “Economy of Force”. On page 4-13 of U.S. Army Field Manual FM-3-0, “Economy of Force” is defined.
“Economy of Force
Allocate minimum essential combat power to secondary efforts.
4-42. Economy of force is the reciprocal of mass. It requires accepting prudent risk in selected areas to achieve superiority—overwhelming effects—in the decisive operation. Economy of force involves the discriminating employment and distribution of forces. Commanders never leave any element without a purpose. When the time comes to execute, all elements should have tasks to perform.”
When Lee sent Jackson’s corps to assault Hooker’s right flank at Chancellorsville he committed half of the Army of Northern Virginia to the attack through the forest. The other half of Lee’s army covered the long front of the much larger Army of the Potomac. Lee convinced Hooker that the entire Army of Northern Virginia was in front of him until it was too late for the Union army to react effectively (Surprise) while Jackson’s concentrated corps attacked the decisive point (Mass).
Lee accomplished this by spreading half of his army thinly across a long front – allocating the minimum essential combat power to this secondary effort (Economy of Force).
In a similar fashion in Operation Desert Storm, Schwarzkopf primarily used Navy assets – ships, boats, and SEAL teams - to create the misdirection resulting in the movement of the Iraqi Republican Guards to the Gulf coast. In fact, by using these Navy assets a minimal amount of Schwarzkopf’s total combat power was diverted to the (secondary) misdirection effort; a classic use of Economy of Force.
In martial arts, defense – avoiding injury from the opponent’s attack – is a secondary effort; though a necessary one to be sure. To win you must go on offense quickly. Some martial arts emphasize hard blocks directly opposing the attack with force. But when great force is applied to a block a transition to offense is more difficult; the greater the force the greater the difficulty.
At some level of force, the block itself becomes an offensive technique. When that level is reached it’s sometimes called a destruct instead of a block. The intention of the destruct is to destroy the opponent’s attacking limb.
The other approach is to minimize the energy expended in blocking. This approach – the “Economy of Force” approach – is exemplified by the brush block or by body movement (tai sabaki) to avoid the attack while simultaneously setting up the counter attack.
“Fitting” in a Judo throw can likewise exemplify Economy of Force. The judoka intercepts the opponent’s punch and redirects it past his body. He uses the opponent’s own energy to take his balance all while fitting his body to the opponent’s in preparation for the throw – I have harai goshi in mind.
Aikido, Judo for self defense (sport Judo is much more aggressive), and Neko Ryu Goshin Jitsu are examples of martial arts that primarily use Economy of Force in defense to set up their offense.
“Allocate minimum essential combat power to secondary efforts.”
Link to the Martial Arta Training Report: The Principles of War
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The fifth letter in the MOOSEMUSS mnemonic stands for “Economy of Force”. On page 4-13 of U.S. Army Field Manual FM-3-0, “Economy of Force” is defined.
“Economy of Force
Allocate minimum essential combat power to secondary efforts.
4-42. Economy of force is the reciprocal of mass. It requires accepting prudent risk in selected areas to achieve superiority—overwhelming effects—in the decisive operation. Economy of force involves the discriminating employment and distribution of forces. Commanders never leave any element without a purpose. When the time comes to execute, all elements should have tasks to perform.”
When Lee sent Jackson’s corps to assault Hooker’s right flank at Chancellorsville he committed half of the Army of Northern Virginia to the attack through the forest. The other half of Lee’s army covered the long front of the much larger Army of the Potomac. Lee convinced Hooker that the entire Army of Northern Virginia was in front of him until it was too late for the Union army to react effectively (Surprise) while Jackson’s concentrated corps attacked the decisive point (Mass).
Lee accomplished this by spreading half of his army thinly across a long front – allocating the minimum essential combat power to this secondary effort (Economy of Force).
In a similar fashion in Operation Desert Storm, Schwarzkopf primarily used Navy assets – ships, boats, and SEAL teams - to create the misdirection resulting in the movement of the Iraqi Republican Guards to the Gulf coast. In fact, by using these Navy assets a minimal amount of Schwarzkopf’s total combat power was diverted to the (secondary) misdirection effort; a classic use of Economy of Force.
In martial arts, defense – avoiding injury from the opponent’s attack – is a secondary effort; though a necessary one to be sure. To win you must go on offense quickly. Some martial arts emphasize hard blocks directly opposing the attack with force. But when great force is applied to a block a transition to offense is more difficult; the greater the force the greater the difficulty.
At some level of force, the block itself becomes an offensive technique. When that level is reached it’s sometimes called a destruct instead of a block. The intention of the destruct is to destroy the opponent’s attacking limb.
The other approach is to minimize the energy expended in blocking. This approach – the “Economy of Force” approach – is exemplified by the brush block or by body movement (tai sabaki) to avoid the attack while simultaneously setting up the counter attack.
“Fitting” in a Judo throw can likewise exemplify Economy of Force. The judoka intercepts the opponent’s punch and redirects it past his body. He uses the opponent’s own energy to take his balance all while fitting his body to the opponent’s in preparation for the throw – I have harai goshi in mind.
Aikido, Judo for self defense (sport Judo is much more aggressive), and Neko Ryu Goshin Jitsu are examples of martial arts that primarily use Economy of Force in defense to set up their offense.
“Allocate minimum essential combat power to secondary efforts.”
Link to the Martial Arta Training Report: The Principles of War
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Principles of War: Surprise
The Principles of War can help us understand the connections between a battle in 253 B.C. and one in 1992 A.D. They can also be used to analyze martial arts training and to optimize the skills and capabilities of the martial artist.
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The fourth letter in the MOOSEMUSS mnemonic stands for “Surprise”. On page 4-14 of U.S. Army Field Manual FM-3-0, “Surprise” is defined.
“Surprise
Strike the enemy at a time or place or in a manner for which he is unprepared.
“4-47. Surprise is the reciprocal of security. Surprise results from taking actions for which an enemy or adversary is unprepared. It is a powerful but temporary combat multiplier. It is not essential to take the adversary or enemy completely unaware; it is only necessary that he become aware too late to react effectively. Factors contributing to surprise include speed, information superiority, and asymmetry.”
After defeating the Union Army of the Potomac from defensive positions on a ridge at Fredericksburg, General Robert E. Lee went on offense. Command of the Union Army was transferred to General Joseph Hooker who took up prepared defensive positions near Chancellorsville, VA. Hooker thought to bleed Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia like the Union Army was bled at Fredericksburg – but Lee wasn’t Burnside.
Lee’s cavalry reported that the Union right flank was anchored in thick woods but was lightly defended. Hooker thought the woods impenetrable by the Confederate Army. But Lee sent Stonewall Jackson’s corps around the Union flank to attack through the woods.
Jackson’s charge was a complete surprise crushing the right flank of the Army of the Potomac and routing the Army. Robert E. Lee’s use of the Principle of War, “Surprise” at Chancellorsville was masterful and it changed the strategic positions of the opposing forces. The Confederacy’s next move would be a fateful invasion of Pennsylvania leading to the Battle of Gettysburg.
In 1991 General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, commanding the U.S. and coalition forces in the Middle East used an elaborate misdirection scheme to convince the Iraqis that the United States Marine Corps would make an Inchon-like amphibious landing on Iraq’s Gulf Coast.
Schwarzkopf intended no such landing but he convinced the Iraqi military commanders that the threat was serious and they pulled elite divisions from the Saudi boarder to defend the Gulf Coast. When Coalition forces rolled through the berms on the Saudi-Iraqi boarder the defenders were not only badly beaten up by the previous six weeks of air attacks - they were also too thin and lacking strategic reserves to impede Schwarzkopf’s assault.
Schwarzkopf’s surprise through misdirection is a form used frequently in all martial arts. It manifests itself in feints, in combinations, and in disguised techniques.
From the Field Manual again; “… it is only necessary that he become aware too late to react effectively.” Surprise is fleeting and the strike must happen quickly else the opponent is able to reorient his defense to counter the blow. In war, the window of opportunity to exploit surprise can be minutes or hours. In hand to hand combat the window may close in the blink of an eye.
“Strike the enemy at a time or place or in a manner for which he is unprepared.”
Link to the Martial Arts Training Report: The Principles of War
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The fourth letter in the MOOSEMUSS mnemonic stands for “Surprise”. On page 4-14 of U.S. Army Field Manual FM-3-0, “Surprise” is defined.
“Surprise
Strike the enemy at a time or place or in a manner for which he is unprepared.
“4-47. Surprise is the reciprocal of security. Surprise results from taking actions for which an enemy or adversary is unprepared. It is a powerful but temporary combat multiplier. It is not essential to take the adversary or enemy completely unaware; it is only necessary that he become aware too late to react effectively. Factors contributing to surprise include speed, information superiority, and asymmetry.”
After defeating the Union Army of the Potomac from defensive positions on a ridge at Fredericksburg, General Robert E. Lee went on offense. Command of the Union Army was transferred to General Joseph Hooker who took up prepared defensive positions near Chancellorsville, VA. Hooker thought to bleed Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia like the Union Army was bled at Fredericksburg – but Lee wasn’t Burnside.
Lee’s cavalry reported that the Union right flank was anchored in thick woods but was lightly defended. Hooker thought the woods impenetrable by the Confederate Army. But Lee sent Stonewall Jackson’s corps around the Union flank to attack through the woods.
Jackson’s charge was a complete surprise crushing the right flank of the Army of the Potomac and routing the Army. Robert E. Lee’s use of the Principle of War, “Surprise” at Chancellorsville was masterful and it changed the strategic positions of the opposing forces. The Confederacy’s next move would be a fateful invasion of Pennsylvania leading to the Battle of Gettysburg.
In 1991 General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, commanding the U.S. and coalition forces in the Middle East used an elaborate misdirection scheme to convince the Iraqis that the United States Marine Corps would make an Inchon-like amphibious landing on Iraq’s Gulf Coast.
Schwarzkopf intended no such landing but he convinced the Iraqi military commanders that the threat was serious and they pulled elite divisions from the Saudi boarder to defend the Gulf Coast. When Coalition forces rolled through the berms on the Saudi-Iraqi boarder the defenders were not only badly beaten up by the previous six weeks of air attacks - they were also too thin and lacking strategic reserves to impede Schwarzkopf’s assault.
Schwarzkopf’s surprise through misdirection is a form used frequently in all martial arts. It manifests itself in feints, in combinations, and in disguised techniques.
From the Field Manual again; “… it is only necessary that he become aware too late to react effectively.” Surprise is fleeting and the strike must happen quickly else the opponent is able to reorient his defense to counter the blow. In war, the window of opportunity to exploit surprise can be minutes or hours. In hand to hand combat the window may close in the blink of an eye.
“Strike the enemy at a time or place or in a manner for which he is unprepared.”
Link to the Martial Arts Training Report: The Principles of War
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Self Defense Weapons Training Library
Selections from my Self Defense Weapons Library:
The Stick And Cane In Close Combat: Jointlocks, Takedowns and Surprise Attacks
The Stick And Cane In Close Combat: Jointlocks, Takedowns and Surprise Attacks
Monday, March 29, 2010
Self Defense Training Library
Return to "Martial Arts Training - Self Defense training - Neko Ryu Goshin Jitsu"
Selections from my Self Defense Training Library:
Tough Target: The Street-Smart Guide to Staying Safe
Combat Strategy: Junsado, the Way of the Warrior
Anatomy of a Street Fight
Not an Easy Target: Paxton Quigley's Self-Protection for Women
Meditations on Violence: A Comparison of Martial Arts Training & Real World Violence
The Gift of Fear
The SAS Self-Defense Handbook: A Complete Guide to Unarmed Combat Techniques
Krav Maga: An Essential Guide to the Renowned Method--for Fitness and Self-Defense
H2H Combat: Modern Army Combative
Selections from my Self Defense Training Library:
Tough Target: The Street-Smart Guide to Staying Safe
Combat Strategy: Junsado, the Way of the Warrior
Anatomy of a Street Fight
Not an Easy Target: Paxton Quigley's Self-Protection for Women
Meditations on Violence: A Comparison of Martial Arts Training & Real World Violence
The Gift of Fear
The SAS Self-Defense Handbook: A Complete Guide to Unarmed Combat Techniques
Krav Maga: An Essential Guide to the Renowned Method--for Fitness and Self-Defense
H2H Combat: Modern Army Combative
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Principles of War: Offensive
The Principles of War can be used to understand the relationship between a battle in 253 B.C. and one in 1992 A.D. They can also be used to analyze martial arts training and optimize the skills and capabilities of the martial artist.
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The third letter in the MOOSEMUSS mnemonic stands for “Offensive”. On page 4-13 of U.S. Army Field Manual FM-3-0 “Offensive” is defined.
“Offensive
"Seize, retain, and exploit the initiative.
"4-38. Offensive action is key to achieving decisive results. It is the essence of successful operations. Offensive actions are those taken to dictate the nature, scope, and tempo of an operation. They force the enemy to react. Commanders use offensive actions to impose their will on an enemy, adversary, or situation. Offensive operations are essential to maintain the freedom of action necessary for success, exploit vulnerabilities, and react to rapidly changing situations and unexpected developments.”
In any violent confrontation it’s extremely difficult and rare to “win” while staying on defense.
Robert E. Lee “won” the Civil War battle of
Burnside failed to dislodge Lee and finally gave up leaving Lee in command of the field. Lee won the battle. But because nothing was decided that day Lee followed the Union Army setting up the battle of
Even when a “win” seems to come from the defensive it’s rarely true. In American football it’s commonly said that the defense wins championships. Clearly, a powerful defensive squad is a strategic advantage. But except for the unusual event of a 2-point safety where the defense tackles the opposing ball carrier in his own team’s end zone or a fumble recovery in the opposing team’s end zone – points are scored on offense.
When the ball is kicked through the uprights or a ball carrier is found in the opposing end zone with both feet having touched the ground and in control of the football - the team on offense has scored - even when the ball carrier is a member of his team’s defensive squad.
In self-defense you can get a “win” by getting away, but in most cases escape will be possible only after you have taken aggressive action to create an escape opportunity.
If you shoot someone in self defense you draw a weapon, aim, and pull the trigger – you’ve taken offensive action. In nearly all cases winning requires offensive action.
A martial art must be built around a rapid conversion from defense to offense. Aikido is supposed to be defensive only. However, as Professor Ernie Cates has often said – “Hit him with the biggest weapon you’ve got – that’s usually the parking lot.” An Aikido throw - like a Judo throw – starts as a defense against an opponent’s assault. It quickly turns into an offense ending with the opponent crashing into the macadam parking lot or in a painful and potentially damaging joint lock.
“Seize, retain, and exploit the initiative.”
“Offensive action is key to achieving decisive results.”
Link to the Martial Arts Training Report: The Principles of War
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Martial Arts Library
Return to "Martial Arts Training Self Defense Training - Neko Ryu Goshin Jitsu"
A Selection of Books from my Martial Arts Training Library:
Karate-Do: My Way of Life
- Book Review
Mind Over Muscle: Writings from the Founder of Judo
- Book Review
Kodokan Judo: The Essential Guide to Judo by Its Founder Jigoro Kano
Complete Krav Maga: The Ultimate Guide to Over 230 Self-Defense and Combative Techniques
A Selection of Books from my Martial Arts Training Library:
Karate-Do: My Way of Life
- Book ReviewMind Over Muscle: Writings from the Founder of Judo
- Book ReviewKodokan Judo: The Essential Guide to Judo by Its Founder Jigoro Kano
Complete Krav Maga: The Ultimate Guide to Over 230 Self-Defense and Combative Techniques
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Principles of War: Objective
The Principles of War provide a flexible structure for understanding how a battle in 253 B.C. is related to one in 1992 A.D. They can also be used to analyze martial arts at the individual level; to optimize the skills and capabilities of the martial artist.
M
Objective
O
S
E
M
U
S
S
“O”; the second letter in the MOOSEMUSS mnemonic stands for “Objective”. U.S. Army Field Manual FM-3-0, on page 4-13, defines the Principle of War “Objective”:
“Direct every military operation toward a clearly defined, decisive, and attainable objective.”
An objective must be defined, decisive, and attainable.
DEFINED - You, and all others involved, must understand the expected outcome of the intended action.
DECISIVE - Attaining the expected outcome must result in an anticipated strategic advantage or improvement or be perceived by you and all others as achieving the improvement.
ATTAINABLE – The expected outcome must be possible and perceived by you and all others as possible.
In a military operation the commander issues orders that make the objective understood by the entire command. Knowing the objective sub-units can adapt to conditions on the ground and to the actions of the enemy. Sub-units and the overall command can improvise changes in tactics and maneuver that achieve the clearly understood objective even though the commander’s original plan doesn’t survive contact with the enemy.
In self-defense situations the strategic purpose is typically survival and escape without injury to self or loved ones. The objective chosen should create an opportunity to achieve the strategic purpose; for example disabling the attacker’s knee to permit escape.
The next principle in the MOOSEMUSS mnemonic is “Offensive”.
M
Objective
O
S
E
M
U
S
S
“O”; the second letter in the MOOSEMUSS mnemonic stands for “Objective”. U.S. Army Field Manual FM-3-0, on page 4-13, defines the Principle of War “Objective”:
“Direct every military operation toward a clearly defined, decisive, and attainable objective.”
An objective must be defined, decisive, and attainable.
DEFINED - You, and all others involved, must understand the expected outcome of the intended action.
DECISIVE - Attaining the expected outcome must result in an anticipated strategic advantage or improvement or be perceived by you and all others as achieving the improvement.
ATTAINABLE – The expected outcome must be possible and perceived by you and all others as possible.
In a military operation the commander issues orders that make the objective understood by the entire command. Knowing the objective sub-units can adapt to conditions on the ground and to the actions of the enemy. Sub-units and the overall command can improvise changes in tactics and maneuver that achieve the clearly understood objective even though the commander’s original plan doesn’t survive contact with the enemy.
In self-defense situations the strategic purpose is typically survival and escape without injury to self or loved ones. The objective chosen should create an opportunity to achieve the strategic purpose; for example disabling the attacker’s knee to permit escape.
The next principle in the MOOSEMUSS mnemonic is “Offensive”.
Link to the Martial Arts Training Report: The Principles of War
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