The Difference Between Strategy And Tactics
Categories: OFFICERS' RESERVE CORPSMilitary Handbooks: The Plattsburg Manual
Strategy is generalship in its broadest conception. A strategist
conceives and projects campaigns. He determines where armies and navies
are to be sent. He is not concerned with the handling or manoeuvers of
armies and fleets. He turns over those details to tacticians. He is the
master mind, far removed, generally, from the battle line, who picks up
an army or fleet here, and puts it there.
Tactics is the act and science of disposing (arranging) armies and
fleets in order for battle. A tactical commander (tactician) solves
local details.
Strategy pertains to conception, to policy; tactics, to technique.
The great General Staff in Washington inaugurates the problems to be
solved (strategy), and details commanders (tacticians) to solve them.
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