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TACTICAL THOUGHT
2014 September 29 th
In the area of ”Tactics in general" the following was addressed;
- Important to have a Swedish approach and not solely rely on foreign doctrines, and
from a Swedish thought take the tactical discussions.
- Important to remember tactics at different levels and understand the need for
different types of units that can be combined into composite forces. Tactics cannot
be one-dimensional time-space-force thinking.
- Important with knowledge on unit capabilities to create composite task groups (also
at low-levels) and to lead them. New capability needs are for example UAVs, IEDD
and dogs.
- Tactics discussions will increase in line with the transformation stabilizing.
However, a rough road lies ahead especially for a brand new unit concept such as at
P7.
- Some units are often excluded in discussions on IW, such as tank units. Removes
creative thinking. For example tanks with barricade-fences, which definitely make
people move away.
- Extensive need for breadth of possible resources, from conversation skills with
villagers to battalion attacks with indirect fire and air support
- Tactics are controlled by the financial framework
- Every conflict and every mandate has its frames. We have mostly been on the
defensive side, but in these operations an offensive approach is needed.
- Tactics are given little space (not even prior to the operations)
- Danger of excessively equating IW/COIN with Afghanistan
- Initiatives are important, requires on-going analysis, planning and action.
- How to measure success.
In the area of "Education / training", the following was addressed;
- We need to educate younger colleagues at the schools better; insight that sometimes
it is not black or white but there are grey areas. Everything has its time.
- The second lieutenants are very dynamic, specialist officers are more stereotypical.
Difficulties when all platoon leaders have exactly the same tactical thinking.
- Increased requirement for training platoon leaders in complex tasks. Not existing
today.
- Must know the basics first. Warning for quick tactics and fighting style adaption.
The regulations apply. Skills to shoot at long ranges come first.
- Once the Major Course and the Basic Officer Course read the same military theory,
it will result in completely different tactical thinking as personal experiences and
perspectives are completely different.
- More command training for complex situations and composite units. Today, it is a
short time at the regiment Livgardet and tomorrow, the need remains if smaller units
are to be deployed abroad.
- Field manuals, doctrines, books are one thing - what matters is how they are
practised. It is practised well at Livgardet training section for international missions
up to company level.
- Important to have good trainers, it is not enough with a good theory. National
training teams for certain things might be needed.
- More emphasis on training of the units, not just officer training.
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