Distinctions Between the Levels of War
It is important to understand the distinctions between the levels of war.
However, a precise line cannot be drawn between the concepts.
We should
look at the levels as forming a spectrum of warfare. Figure 2 depicts the
spectrum of warfare.
FIGURE 2.
SPECTRUM OF WARFARE
The tactical level is positioned at one pole.
The strategic level is
positioned at the other. The operational level falls somewhere in between.
It provides the connecting link between the tactical and strategic levels.
This spectrum may help to clarify the levels of warfare and their
relationships to levels of command. The following discussion focuses on the
distinctions between the tactical and operational levels.
Tactical Level.
The tactical level involves the concentration and
combination of fighting systems. It is mainly concerned with the physical
aspects of warfare.
These include the destruction or killing of the
individual elements of any enemy organization.
There is a qualitative distinction between the tactical and operational
levels of warfare. The tactical level usually deals with combat by
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