What elements lead to victory in a battle?

SGT Christopher Churilla — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 21:47:53 -0400

I've been wondering what elements can lead to victory in battle. I think it is a combination of superior numbers, superior firepower, superior skills or tactics and superior will to win. What do you think, RP members?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 28 at 2015 9:50 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 21:50:21 -0400

Trigger control

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 28 at 2015 9:51 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 21:51:31 -0400

Superior technology, superior vehicles and weapons, training, and leadership.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Oct 28 at 2015 10:16 PM

COL Charles Williams — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 22:16:14 -0400

I think... it is the backbone, the NCO, particularly the junior NCO in the Army. They understand their mission, the commander's intent and their task and purpose, and they get after it. I think the fact that our military powers down authority and responsibility is the difference maker for the U.S. Army and U.S. Marines. SGT Christopher Churilla

Response by PO3 Michael James made Oct 28 at 2015 10:30 PM

PO3 Michael James — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 22:30:04 -0400

SGT Churilla, Sir: I believe you already nailed it... " Superior will to win " Honestly, Having the SUPPORT of the people, I believe that the Attitude, the Drive, the Skills, and the Will. can overcome most obstacles, consequently.. you win.. However, without the Support of the people, the Attitude and the Will are gone, Loneliness, Abandonment and Depression step in .. resulting in Loss !! OUR MILITARY NEEDS AND HAS EARNED OUR SUPPORT !!

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 28 at 2015 10:44 PM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 22:44:08 -0400

Leadership leading from the front. That wins. Every fight is a frontal attack to the individual infantryman. Get out there Sergeant and make shit happen.

Semper Fidelis

Response by SGT Jose Perdelia-Torres made Oct 28 at 2015 10:55 PM

SGT Jose Perdelia-Torres — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 22:55:10 -0400

Lot of the same answers, they beat me to it. Ultimately whichever side gains fire superiority will get the battle victory. Strong will to Survive is instrumental in obtaining this.

Be willing to push past the physical and mental limitations that you are faced with in regards to actions occurring in a/the battle; it separates the strong from the weak. Being able to turn your strengths into weaknesses, will gain you victory in and out of a battle as well.

Response by SPC David S. made Oct 28 at 2015 11:22 PM

SPC David S. — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 23:22:40 -0400

I think to often victory is relegated to tactical or operational superiority. However what really wins a war is the strategic means of creating the desired change that concludes with a peace accord. As of late we have been able to win operationally and tactically due to our resources, manpower, technology and wealth however strategically our victories have been hollow. So I would say the resolve to maintain a strategy until a desired change is perceived by all belligerents and observers and is sustained with little or no effort.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Oct 29 at 2015 12:09 AM

Capt Mark Strobl — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 00:09:02 -0400

Every battle study was outlined by the Principle of War: MOOSEMUSS. Usually if you could score 5 out of 9 in those principles, victory would be secured. The 10th Principle: Dumb Luck.

Response by 1SG Patrick Sims made Oct 29 at 2015 2:55 AM

1SG Patrick Sims — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 02:55:20 -0400

Troops well trained --with a clear understanding of their mission. Therefor, they can carry on without orders from an officer or senior NCO--And above all aggression. Unbridled, naked aggression.

Response by SGT William Howell made Oct 29 at 2015 6:22 AM

SGT William Howell — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 06:22:44 -0400

I am not a tactician, but from a dummies observations in history, battles can be won several ways. The Russians proved that shear numbers can win a battle. Hannibal proved that technology and tactics can win a battle. The Allies proved at Normandy that deception can win battles.

I believe that all these have one common element. Intel. You have to know where the enemy is in order to make a plan and fight them.