Combat: Difference between revisions
imported>Howard C. Berkowitz (New page: {{subpages}} While never rigorously defined and changing in character over time, '''combat''' is the confrontation of military forces where one intends to dominate the other, usually with ...) |
imported>Howard C. Berkowitz (Wanted page, but I'm not exactly sure why) |
||
| Line 2: | Line 2: | ||
While never rigorously defined and changing in character over time, '''combat''' is the confrontation of military forces where one intends to dominate the other, usually with lethal force. Combat is a physical activity, distinct from the legal status of [[war]]. | While never rigorously defined and changing in character over time, '''combat''' is the confrontation of military forces where one intends to dominate the other, usually with lethal force. Combat is a physical activity, distinct from the legal status of [[war]]. | ||
Early combat was exclusively by lethal weapons, at close range and often powered by human muscle. With the introduction of technology, combat ranges increased, eventually to intercontinental distances. The "kinetic" forces began to be complemented by nonkinetic [[information operations]] including [[electronic warfare]] and [[psychological operations]]. | Early combat was exclusively by lethal weapons, at close range and often powered by human muscle. With the introduction of technology, combat ranges increased, eventually to intercontinental distances. The "kinetic" forces began to be complemented by nonkinetic [[information operations]] including [[electronic warfare]] and [[psychological operations]]. | ||
The earliest combat was among tribal societies, but it evolved to nation-states. Today, however, non-national actors may be opponents, especially in [[land warfare]]. Sea, air, and space combat remain principally the domain of nations. | The earliest combat was among tribal societies, but it evolved to nation-states. Today, however, non-national actors may be opponents, especially in [[land warfare]]. Sea, air, and space combat remain principally the domain of nations. | ||
Revision as of 18:35, 12 May 2010
While never rigorously defined and changing in character over time, combat is the confrontation of military forces where one intends to dominate the other, usually with lethal force. Combat is a physical activity, distinct from the legal status of war.
Early combat was exclusively by lethal weapons, at close range and often powered by human muscle. With the introduction of technology, combat ranges increased, eventually to intercontinental distances. The "kinetic" forces began to be complemented by nonkinetic information operations including electronic warfare and psychological operations.
The earliest combat was among tribal societies, but it evolved to nation-states. Today, however, non-national actors may be opponents, especially in land warfare. Sea, air, and space combat remain principally the domain of nations.