----- Original Message ----- From: "Steve Brust" <skzb at dreamcafe.com> To: "Jot Powers" <books at bofh.com> Cc: <dragaera at dragaera.info> Sent: Tuesday, February 08, 2005 6:21 AM Subject: Re: Defender always wins? (Was: Re: on contradictions and such) > > In war, the advantage/disadvantage of the attack in a given battle > depends on technology. The Napoleonic formation mave all the advantage > to the attacker. Then the minnieball and associated technology gave it > back to the defender. &tc. > To a point. The problem with quantifying combat is that there are too many variables. Yes, technology can be a factor, the British army stampeding through India and Africa are an example of this. But the determination of an enemy and his willingness to sacrifice troops is a factor as well, that can sometimes overwhelm a technological advantage, as in Vietnam and Afghanistan (vs. anyone but the US). Discipline as well can be decisive, but that can be overcome by superior tactics (the US Revolutionary War). The will to win is perhaps the most decisive thing, but impossible to measure until tested in battle. In my personal experience, the three tactics I find most effective: a swift feint to draw your opponent out, all out attack to overwhelm him quickly, and third, shoot him before he comes into striking distance. Jeff G.