d. Describe the key events.
(1) Did the battle have clearly recognizable turning points? If so, what were they? When did they occur? What
caused them? Did the commanders recognize and take advantage of them? How did the opposing forces
react to these key events?
(2) Did the commanders anticipate key events? If so, did they plan to take advantage of them?
(3) Did the key events favor one side or the other? If so, how?
(4) Did these key events affect the outcome of the battle? Why?
e. State the outcome. This portion of the analysis is the greatest challenge and requires keen judgment and
synthesis. Beware of the pitfalls of superficial conclusions, especially those that focus on only one cause.
(1) Did one side enjoy a clear tactical victory? If so, who won? If not, why not?
(2) Why was the winning side victorious? Was it because of:
(a)
Superior personnel strength?
(b)
Better organization and tactics?
(c)
Quantity and quality of weapons and equipment?
(d)
Better training?
(e)
Better leadership?
(f)
Stronger unit cohesion and better morale?
(g)
Greater battlefield experience?
(h)
Greater and better logistical support?
(i)
Terrain and weather?
(j)
Luck?
(k)
Other factors? If so, explain.
(l)
A combination of one or more factors?
(3) Why did the other side lose? Consider the same twelve factors in paragraph e(2) for the losing side.
(4) Did the opposing forces accomplish their missions?
(5) Did the opposing forces fight the battle according to the commanders' plans and intents? If not, why?
(6) How did opposing forces care for and evacuate casualties? Were these procedures effective?
(7) How did opposing forces handle, evacuate, and interrogate prisoners?
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