The principles of offense and defense are similar in tactics and warfare, sharing the same basic objectives. The main difference is that strategy cannot accomplish victory without the tactical successes to back it up. Strategy's take on principles such as advantage of ground and surprise have more to do with setting the stage for the most efficient tactical victory we can achieve. We also continue to explore the superiority of the defense when it comes to natural, but not always...

Moving now into the portion of "On War" concerned directly with tactics and military strategy, Clausewitz begins by defining defense within his concept of war. There are many reasons to fight/play defensively, and Clausewitz attests that the defense is the superior of the two when compared to offense. There are many advantages conferred to the defender, like usually having the advantage of terrain. He doesn't argue for absolute defense, of course, but the use of defense as an active state,...

As we have been studying, one of the most important aspects of war or wargaming is practice. We speak of meaningful practice that gives us the best chance to adapt to changing conditions, practice that promotes utmost familiarity with our weapons, army, or team. How we approach the field physically and mentally, with our team or by ourselves, can determine victory before the match even begins. Sir Rem joins Malark to discuss the winning strategy behind division and disposition. Support...

When we look at the field, whether in our games or in history, we can see three distinct elements that make up the whole. The long range element, the staying power, and the mobile forces all have roles to play, and those roles relate to each other in complicated ways. The ratio of these three elements changes the tactics that can be employed effectively. Artillery heavy armies conduct war in a much different fashion to cavalry. While infantry can be specially trained to fill one of the other...

Battle has many uses, but only one guiding principle: the destruction of the enemy. The whole point of military science is to develop a reliable system by which to achieve victory. But what happens when we attain it? How best can we capitalize on our successes? Clausewitz offers very helpful advice in this section concerning the factors that influence the quality and usefulness of our victory. Once we've won our engagement, there's another crucial step, which is the pursuit. Unless our...

No battle can take place unless by mutual consent. By and large, this decision is left up to the defenders. Patience, then, is called for to give us the best chance at victory. A clear vision as well, because while there may be many minor and secondary objectives, there is only one primary objective that must be kept at the forefront of our plans. Our choices in battle lead to one defining and decisive moment. When that moment comes, what do we do with it? How will we know? Knowing the...

Going into a battle, we know our priorities. However, much like with our plan itself, it is best that we assume they will change in importance. Preparing for this helps us manage the shifting battlefield conditions. Of course it is best to have our priorities obscured as to move indirectly against our opponent, turning the odds in our favor. Knowing this will help us decide whether we seek a quick conclusion or try to draw our match out. Either way we seek victory, it is important to...

The first section of this book dealt with the many factors and conditions which can feed into and dictate the course of combat. Now, finally, we begin to delve into the crux of the matter. Understanding the nature of modern war, or "meta" as it is called, is key to effective tactics, which are forever dependent on present forms. The influence of technology on this concept cannot be overstated. Along these lines, a keen observation is required of one's opponent, as they are not a dummy or...

When it comes to war, all we most often see are the battles. In these dramatic clashes of armies, it is easy to forget all of the contributing factors to that conflict. One of the largest among these is how to maneuver our forces to the right place at the right time with the right plan. For this, we must consider our movements in time and space. Once that force is assembled, it then falls to us to use it effectively. Boldness is often called for, but so too is thinking ahead to the next...

There are many factors that contribute to victory in very real ways. We have discussed how weather, privation, and low morale can wear at an army's fighting spirit. We have examined how culture and training shape the abilities of the forces on the field. But when we look at history as a whole, three main considerations are at play. The consequences from either the favor or disdain of these influences can dictate the outcome of a battle or war. Desi joins Malark to chat about the...

At every level of command, boldness is required to carry the day. Whether its a frontline soldier summoning the will to take a hill, or a general dedicating themselves to a daring plan, boldness is the most important of the military virtues. With it, we can fight timidity and move in a way that accomplishes our objectives swiftly and effectively. Soren joins Malark to look into the idea of boldness and its place on the field or table top. Support our Patreon!...

Those of you on our Instagram will have no doubt seen some of the epic footage from the fight night Malark attended. The energy in the room was electric, the excitement of the crowd was palpable. After the fights, a dear friend of the show arranged for Malark to interview some of the spectacular fighters. These are those interviews. Support our Patreon! www.patreon.com/theartofwargaming Email: [email protected] Facebook: @theartofwargamingpodcast Instagram:...

In our first series of field interviews, much was learned about the process and challenges of recording outside of the studio. Some of the first interview with Rizo and Maverick, for instance, was distorted by wind. This is unfortunate, as the interview was very interesting to Malark. We salvaged what we could. The second interview was with long time veteran and experienced tournament winner, Retnuh, and the talented TikTok star and archer Sheye. It was very enjoyable to speak with such...

Among the Chief Moral Powers discussed in the previous episode, Military Virtue is a trait of both the army and the individual that contributes to a precise and efficient force on the battlefield. Separate from bravery or enthusiasm, it measures more the discipline and spirit. Keeping our cool under pressure, withstanding the disappointment of defeat, knowing our purpose and function within the overall system; these all are part of what it means to have military virtue. Sir Kyrian joins...

There are many conditions which contribute to the conduct of combat. Some of these are related to moral forces, others are on physical forces. Regardless of the cause, we must look at all elements separately to understand the whole. Moral forces, of course, and the most powerful and the quickest to form. With spirit, talent, military virtue, and physics on our side, the conditions of victory might be better assured. Support our Patreon! www.patreon.com/theartofwargaming Email:...

Clausewitz defines strategy as the employment of the battle as the means towards the attainment of the object of war. For our games, we obviously do the same, stringing together our isolated wins into one overall victory of the tournament or event. We all understand how to do this because it doesnt take a genius to recognize good tactics or winning plans. The real trick is knowing how to combine all of that together with the necessary minutia, timing, and execution required for it all to...

Clausewitz defines strategy as the employment of the battle as the means towards the attainment of the object of war. For our games, we obviously do the same, stringing together our isolated wins into one overall victory of the tournament or event. We all understand how to do this because it doesnt take a genius to recognize good tactics or winning plans. The real trick is knowing how to combine all of that together with the necessary minutia, timing, and execution required for it all to...

Doctrine in of itself can only get us so far. There are limits to what it can predict, and therefore limited in its usefulness. Criticism offers us a chance to compare doctrine to reality, and make our methods more consistent towards victory. In this, it is important that we not get lost in the details, but cut away that which is irrelevant. In doing so, we may learn from history and the mistakes or triumphs made by great commanders of the past. Reks joins Malark to examine methods of...

How do art and science relate to and influence the activity of war? As Clausewitz has stated before, war is an extension of politics. As such, it is governed by the principles and rules of the day, as established on that particular field at that particular moment. From these ideas, we can first begin to craft a solid method. Rocca joins Malark to chat about art, science, and methodology. Support our Patreon! www.patreon.com/theartofwargaming Email: [email protected] ...

We finish out this chapter of "On War" with Clausewitz describing how we can turn military science into art. In previous episodes, we've discussed the impossibility of positive theory and the various means at our disposal to achieve victory. We bring that all together in this episode where we talk about the pros and cons of plentiful information. Geniuses aside, any of us can develop pulse-beat knowledge if we practice enough. Jason of Military Miniature Magazine joins Malark to chat...

Responsibility and awareness differ at varied levels of command. The front line trooper sees more of a limited area than the rear echelon, who themselves see more of the larger picture. Strategy, which consists of its own unique challenges, relies on the results of tactics to determine the means at its disposal. Tink joins the show on this episode to discuss the means of the means, and the recent Belegarth event "Battle for the Ring" Support our Patreon!...

It is easy, as a military theorist, to believe that an ideal system can be made to assure victory. While understanding maxims and established rules is important, it is also important to consider that there are limits to theory and what it can predict. Even if a perfect system were devised, it would quickly become obsolete as the technology or systems of our opponents evolved. Most significant is the fact that we have patchy information at best in any battlefield situation as the fog of war...

Clausewitz provides a framework for the development of theory and military science, introducing us to the goals and methods that lay the groundwork for later thought. The want of rules leads to contemplation of future success and how to codify it into something which can be accomplished with consistency. In this episode, we deal with the hard numbers when it comes to theory, that which can be quantified and measured. Special Guests TF and Kaji join Malark to discuss the beginnings of a...

There are many activities in war that are born purely out of necessity. Others are modified to do their part in the effort, changed by the very application to an action of combat. In particular, we wish to stress how medical concerns are a constant consideration on the battlefield, sharing some knowledge on various common injuries. Special Guest Soo joins Malark to talk about camp, growth, and the application of various branches of war. Support our Patreon!...

Friction, or resistance to motion, is everywhere in our lives, but more so in a state of conflict. This resistance comes in many forms, whether its the result of petty grievances piling up or the shifting nature of information on the battlefield. In this episode, we look at the underlying causes and effects of friction, trying to understand how best to navigate and mitigate them. Special Guest Todo joins Malark to tackle the question of how to handle friction and inertia. Support our...