Conventional warfare is a form of conflict between two or more countries in which a mutually exclusive relationship exists for the duration of the engagement. While this typically involves armed conflict, it does not necessarily exclude the use of other forms of warfare such as psychological tactics. This article will explore the many different strategies, tactics, and technologies that are used by those waging conventional war. It will also look at how each factor works together to give a nation the upper hand in a conflict.

What is Conventional Warfare?

Conventional warfare is a type of military engagement between two or more nations, wherein the nations use armed forces to engage in direct combat with one another. It is distinguished from non-conventional warfare by its aim of conventional victory, wherein one of the nations involved will emerge victorious over the other nation. This can include the complete destruction of the enemy’s military forces and the occupation of the enemy’s territory. Conventional warfare usually involves physical combat, either on land, sea, or in the air.

Strategies of Conventional War

There are a number of strategies that are commonly employed in conventional warfare:

  1. Attrition Strategy: The attrition strategy aims to wear down the enemy forces by continually attacking until the enemy is too severely weakened to continue. It also involves the strategic use of resources in order to limit the resources available to the enemy.

  2. Blitzkrieg Strategy: This strategy is focused on achieving a quick, decisive victory by making use of mobility and surprise. The goal is to catch the enemy off-guard and launch a swift, powerful attack in order to overwhelm them.

  3. Strategic Surprise Attack: This strategy seeks to gain a quick and overwhelming victory by catching the enemy off-guard. This is achieved by gathering intelligence on the enemy’s strengths, weaknesses and movements, and then launching a surprise attack to take advantage of any opportunity that presents itself.

  4. Psychological Warfare: This strategy utilizes propaganda, manipulation, and intimidation to sow seeds of doubt and division among the enemy forces. It aims to weaken the morale and effectiveness of the enemy forces.

Tactics of Conventional War

Tactics are an important component of every major strategy employed in conventional warfare:

  1. Long Range Artillery: Long-range artillery is often used to bombard enemy fortifications and positions. Artillery barrages can also be used to disrupt enemy formations and prevent the enemy from maneuvering effectively.

  2. Cordon and Sweep: This tactic involves encircling the enemy forces with a large number of troops, and then systematically sweeping the area and eliminating any forces that are encountered.

  3. Ambush and Hit-and-Run: Ambush tactics are often employed by guerilla forces to surprise enemy forces, inflict multiples casualties, and capture or destroy key enemy assets. Hit-and-run tactics involve launching surprise attacks and then quickly retreating to deny the enemy the opportunity to retaliate.

  4. Envelopment: Envelopment involves encircling the enemy forces, cutting off their supply lines and then pressing the attack from all directions. This often leads to the enemy forces becoming disorganized and demoralized.

Technologies of Conventional War

The technologies employed in modern warfare are constantly evolving and becoming increasingly sophisticated. Here are some of the technologies that are often used in conventional warfare:

  1. Air Power: Air power is used for reconnaissance and for launching precision strikes on targets that are difficult to access by ground troops. Aircraft, such as fighters and bombers, are also essential for providing ground support to troops.

  2. Ballistic Missiles: Ballistic missiles are used to deliver explosive payloads over long distances, often bypassing defensive positions or anti-aircraft fire. These missiles can be programs to target multiple locations or one single target.

  3. Artillery: Artillery is often used to bombard enemy positions or to provide ground support to troops. It can also be used to disrupt enemy formations and delay enemy movements.

  4. Tanks and Armored Vehicles: Tanks are one of the most important pieces of equipment in modern warfare. They provide protection to troops, allow for rapid movement, and provide heavy firepower to the battlefield.

Conventional warfare is a dangerous and complex form of conflict that involves the use of sophisticated strategies, tactics, and technologies. It is an ever-evolving form of warfare, and countries must be prepared to confront it on multiple fronts. For nations that are engaged in a war, these strategies, tactics, and technologies can be the difference between victory and defeat.

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