Page 59 - MDSL Final

CONCEPTS OF WAR
Uncertainty leads to estimation and acceptance of risk. Risk is an
inherent quality in war. The risk is equally present in action and inaction.
Therefore, it is necessary to accept the risk in war. However, it is required
to bear in mind that the acceptance of the risk does not guarantee the
entire likelihood of success.

“Fog of War - Uncertainty and confusion generated
in wartime by a combination of limited, incomplete,
inaccurate and contradictory information, deliberate
deception and the mayhem and stress caused by
combat.”

On War - Clausewitz

Fluidity

Fluidity is an inherent attribute of war. Each phase of a war is the temporary
result of exclusive combination of circumstances, producing a unique set
of problems which requires an original solution. In addition, each phase
is the combination of past and future actions shaped by the previous
actions and shaping the condition for the future action. Therefore,
conduct of war requires flexibility of thoughts. Hence, success will be
determined on the ability in adaptation, proactively shaping the events
to our advantage and reacting to constantly changing conditions.
20
Tempo of the activities in war will influence the success. However, it is
impossible to continue and sustain high tempo activities for a longer
period even at the time of our advantage over the enemy. Time and
space could influence the tempo of war but need not to curtail our
action. Nevertheless, it is necessary to develop competitive tempo
between each other to influence and exploit enemy’s tempo to obtain
an advantage over them by continuously creating events.
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Navy will mass to concentrate her combat power against the enemy
action. However, the massing of naval combat power is vulnerable for
enemy action. Therefore, competitive action required to be developed
by dispersing and concentrating to avail the vulnerability to enemy
combat action.

To Nurture a Stable Environment at Sea 41