War

2 Pages 440 Words

After reading the article “Lessons From Yesterday’s Frontier Wars for Tomorrows Asymmetric Conflicts,” one thing was left unclear to me. Are we finding ways to practice asymmetric combat or are we training for ways to counter the opposing force? As I began reading, it seemed like we were learning ways from the Indians on the most effective ways to attack or defend. However, as I continued reading it appeared as if the writer is concerned that we one day be the culprit of asymmetric warfare. We are studying ways to respond to asymmetric tactics under the impression that our enemies will use this type of warfare in their defense because they will most likely be on familiar land and not have the technology that could match up to a dominating military such as our own.
While talking to my best friend Pat who is in the Marines told me a story to give me a little better understanding of the concept of asymmetric warfare: Two countries are at war. One decides to attack the other. Its tanks, in regular columns, cross the border between the two combatants. However, its approach to war and its approach to the border have been constantly and comprehensively monitored by the defending side.
Suddenly, without warning, small missiles silently attack the invading tanks. Each missile hovers momentarily above the tanks, selects one and attacks it by firing a high-speed projectile at the weakest part-the turret and engine cover. The deadly accurate missiles are very selective: they don't attack any tank that has been selected for attack by another missile. These missiles are fired from 30 to 40 kilometers away, far beyond the range of the tank's guns. Few survivors crawl out of the burning wrecks, since red-hot pieces of metal ricochet around inside and hot, suffocating gases spread rapidly throughout. Only three of the tanks survive. Their morale shattered, the crews decide to retreat.

“Asymmetric warfare,'' referrers to an enemy who ...