10 Military Tactics That Seemed Brilliant and 10 That Were an Act of Pure Desperation

Hannibal’s Carthaginian army executed a carefully planned encirclement against a larger Roman force. By allowing his center to gradually fall back, he lured the Roman troops inward while his stronger flanks encircled them. 

Mongol forces often feigned retreat to lure their enemies into a disorganized pursuit. As soon as the enemy troops broke ranks, the Mongols would quickly turn around and attack with perfectly coordinated precision. This tactic relied more on discipline and communication than on brute force.

The English troops commanded by Henry V took up positions on a narrow, muddy stretch of ground that limited the French forces’ mobility. The longbowmen took advantage of this terrain to target the heavily armored knights, who were struggling to advance. 

The Roman general Fabius Maximus avoided any confrontation with Hannibal’s forces, preferring to focus on delaying tactics. By cutting off supply lines and avoiding major battles, he gradually weakened Hannibal’s army. Although initially unpopular, this cautious approach helped preserve Roman forces. It ultimately contributed to Rome’s ability to continue the war.

Although they are often associated with a stalemate, trench systems were a strategic adaptation to modern firepower. Defensive positions protected soldiers from artillery and machine guns, making frontal assaults difficult.

U.S. forces selectively targeted strategic islands rather than attacking all positions held by the Japanese. By capturing strategically important sites, they established bases closer to Japan. This allowed them to bypass heavily defended areas and conserve their resources. This strategy accelerated the overall progress of the campaign.

German forces combined speed, coordination, and concentrated attacks to overwhelm their opponents. Tanks, aircraft, and infantry worked together to quickly break through enemy lines. This strategy disrupted communications and prevented any effective resistance. It led to rapid victories early in the war.

Soviet forces established several lines of defense designed to absorb and weaken German attacks. These included minefields, anti-tank positions, and fortified lines. As German forces advanced, they encountered relentless resistance that slowed their progress. This strategy helped mark a decisive turning point on the Eastern Front.

The joint efforts of the intelligence services made it possible to successfully decode German communications, thereby providing decisive strategic advantages. This enabled commanders to anticipate enemy movements and plan their actions accordingly. The information obtained influenced both naval and ground operations. This demonstrated just how much intelligence could influence the outcome of battles.

The D-Day landings required coordinated planning among ground, naval, and air forces. Diversionary maneuvers misled the German defenses as to the location of the invasion. Once ashore, the troops managed to gain a foothold despite fierce resistance. This operation marked a decisive step toward the liberation of Western Europe.

This tactic involved sending large numbers of soldiers to carry out repeated frontal assaults. It was based on the principle of overwhelming the enemy through sheer numbers rather than through strategy. Although it was sometimes effective in specific situations, it often resulted in extremely heavy casualties. It was frequently used when other options were limited.

Retreating forces destroyed crops, infrastructure, and supplies in order to deprive the advancing enemy of its resources. While this slowed the invasions, it also caused great suffering among civilians and the population that was defending itself. 

Japanese pilots deliberately crashed their planes into enemy ships to carry out their attacks. This tactic emerged toward the end of the war, as conventional options dwindled. While it caused damage, it also resulted in the loss of skilled personnel. It highlighted the extreme measures taken under pressure.

The British cavalry launched a direct assault on the heavily defended Russian artillery positions. This attack was the result of a lack of communication and the absence of clear orders. Despite the soldiers’ courage, the charge resulted in heavy casualties without yielding any significant strategic gains.

In some wars, armed forces have recruited children due to a shortage of trained fighters. This practice reflects extreme desperation and a lack of resources. It often leads to long-term social and psychological consequences. It is widely condemned under international law.

As Allied forces closed in, the German defenders included militias and poorly trained youth units in their ranks. Resources were limited, and coordination was becoming increasingly difficult. 

Japanese forces launched massive infantry assaults against fortified positions. These attacks were often carried out when retreat or surrender was not an option. While they demonstrated great dedication, they generally resulted in heavy casualties. 

Dilapidated ships loaded with flammable materials were sent to engage enemy fleets. Although they sometimes proved effective, these tactics were risky and difficult to control. 

Defenders or attackers would sometimes resort to the strategy of cutting off food supplies to force a surrender. Although effective in the long term, this tactic caused great suffering for civilians trapped in the cities. 

As the situation deteriorated, German and Soviet forces found themselves fighting under extreme conditions with limited resources. The fighting devolved into hand-to-hand combat amid the ruins. The soldiers had to adapt to tactics focused on survival rather than structured plans.