The Art of War

Many people believe that there is not really a strategy in war, only confusion and mayhem, where the last man standing is the victor. Historians and military veterans will disagree in almost every case. Perhaps the greatest book of all time on this subject is appropriately named The Art of War and is written by a former General in the Chinese army [Sun Tzu]. General Tzu depicts some of his strategies and tactics used for gathering information and planning of ambushes. It is a surreal look at a violent yet almost necessary means to an end. While his principles are sound, the practical application must be adapted to fit the environment. For example, some of the strategies used for ambush in a platoon size element (consists of 14-20 men) have been converted from Sun Tzu’s company size elements (up to 100 men). Likewise, tactics for movement have been adapted to fit many environments and situations. While Sun Tzu’s theories on movement and ambushes still hold true, the application of these changes has been most apparent in jungle warfare.

There are two basic formations used in jungle movement: rank and file, and wedge. Rank and file consists of the platoon walking a known path in a single file line. The file will have a point man who will keep a distance of approximately 20 meters ahead of the second man in the file. The point man will control the movement of the platoon, as well as communicating with the NCO (non-commissioned officer) about anything out of the ordinary. Point men are also responsible for detecting ambushes and alerting the platoon to imminent danger. More often than not, a point man who fails at his job will result in the total loss of life for the platoon, so they are chosen carefully. Each man in the file will also carry his weapon to alternating sides (i.e., pointing left, right, left, etc.). This is done to ensure proper coverage of zones in case of the dreaded ambush. The rank and file movement is used for swift movement without much coverage, and is intended to cover large amounts of ground in a small period of time.

The wedge is used for something different altogether; silence and stealth are the keys here. The wedge consists of a platoon moving through the jungle away from known paths in order to surprise awaiting enemies. The wedge also consists of a point who keeps a distance of only 10 meters and once again controls the movement of the platoon. The wedge stops often and surveys the area around them while maintaining a low profile. Soldiers in this formation carry their weapons pointing outward away from other platoon members to ensure safety and coverage. Hand signals are used in both types of formations, this ensures the quietest movement possible and demands focus from the team members.

If the team works together to reach the ambush site, members will move into position one by one. In the ideal ambush, team members will setup in high points looking down onto the ambush site. The high ground tactic is used to eliminate the possibility of hiding spots for the enemy; also it allows greater command and control for the NCO (see the Art of War for details on Command and Control). It also eliminates the possibility of killing your own platoon members, simply because everyone is firing down. Ambushers will allow the point man to progress a good distance into the field of fire; this allows the rest of the enemy to expose themselves, even at the expense of the point man. Every ambush team has a trigger man, and his sole responsibility is to determine when everyone is in the kill zone. Once he has made that determination, he fires the shot that triggers an onslaught of rapid fire designed to eliminate everything in the kill zone.

Ambushes are brutal, but effective strategies designed to gain a small edge over the enemy. The only confusion and mayhem that takes place in this scenario happens to the enemy and is designed for just that purpose. The previous three tactics are but a small example of the depth and planning that is involved in war. Authors such as Sun Tzu are considered geniuses in their field of expertise and have been adapted worldwide by numerous nations. Until there is no more war, we will have to consider the Art of War as anything but chaotic and confusing.

Josh Winters

Composition I

October 20, 2003