Page 57 - MDSL Final

CONCEPTS OF WAR
The object in war is to impose our will on our enemy. In order to fulfil
this object, either it is the organised application or threat of violence by
military force.

“There is no instance of a nation benefitting from
prolonged warfare.”

Sun Tzu

Attributes in War

Friction, Uncertainty, Fluidity, Disorder, Complexity and
Danger

Friction

Friction is the element that amalgamates to form the atmosphere of war
and turn into a medium which hampers activity. Simply it is a struggle
between two or more opposing concepts or wills. Conduct of war
becomes extremely difficult due to the various factors. These factors
are called as friction. It makes the simple task difficult and difficult task
impossible. Friction could be mental as in decision over a course of action.
Similarly, it could be physical due to effective enemy fire or physical
obstacles placed by enemy in terrain (Sea). Sometimes, friction could be
self-imposted such as undefined goals, poor coordination, complicated
plans, complicated task organisations, top-down relationships or
complex technologies.
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‘Friction will always have a psychological and physical
impact.’

Will of the human component is the key to overcome the friction.
Therefore, it is essential to strive ourselves to overcome the effects of
friction and ensure to impose the friction of our enemy to a level that
weakens his will to fight. Friction makes defence forces less effective in
combat and it’s prescription is experience. Therefore, only with thorough

To Nurture a Stable Environment at Sea 39