... it is essential to be clear as to the meanings of, and distinctions among, three key terms: tactics, operations and strategy.
Tactics, operations and strategy
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Tactics refers to the actual use of armed forces, primarily, though not exclusively, in combat. In essence, tactics are about how to fight, about military behaviour itself.
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Operations refers to the use made of tactics for the conduct of a military campaign.
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Operational art is the skill with which forces are manoeuvred so that they are well positioned for tactical advantage. But it refers also to the ability to know when to accept or decline combat, with a view to advancing campaign wide goals. Operational art uses the threat and the actuality of battle to win a campaign.
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Strategy refers to the use made of operations for their impact upon the course and outcome of a war. Strategy [
ways] is the bridge between military power [
means] and policy [
ends]. (p. 40)
(All emphasis and additions in parentheses are mine)
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