Seizing the initiative

IT is a fundamental principle for a commander to seize and retain the initiative in battle. Keeping one step ahead of the enemy’s decision making by reading the situation, issuing orders and effecting changes before the enemy can react can enable a force to dominate a battle or campaign. Upping the tempo of operations and forcing the enemy to respond to a rapid series of manoeuvres can have the same effect. Once gained, retaining the initiative is crucial to maintaining the upper hand. If an enemy is given respite, they can reorganise, mount an effective defence or counter-attack and the initiative is lost. Forcing an enemy to react to unexpected attacks against their logistics, command or the very fabric of their society can completely alter their strategy or ability to fight effectively on the battlefield.