The infantry platoon in high-Intensity warfare: strategies and challenges

The concept of high-intensity warfare evokes a conflict in which both adversaries possess equivalent or even superior military technology. However, once air supremacy has been established, the nature of the conflict changes. Today's Ukraine offers an example of this type of conflict, where neither side dominates the skies, resulting in fierce fighting involving artillery, armored vehicles and, in particular, infantry.

The use of tanks depends on the industrial capacity of each nation to produce them. Modern warfare emphasizes the intensive use of artillery and a strategic approach to infantry. The loss of a soldier represents not only a reduction in manpower, but also a loss of experience. In the 21st century, massive losses of men, in the manner of the First World War, have become unacceptable.

In high-intensity warfare, it is essential to differentiate between defensive and offensive operations. Defenses are organized in several lines of fortifications, laid out in slices, reinforced by intensive artillery fire, and characterized by close surveillance and harassment tactics.

On the other hand, offensive operations in high-intensity warfare are a major challenge. How can an infantry operation be conducted without air support, in the face of an enemy that intercepts and disrupts communications, lays mines and uses thermal and night-vision devices, while limiting the use of tanks due to their scarcity?

Two approaches emerge for achieving results while minimizing human losses:

Combined arms offensive

This strategy combines infantry with other branches of the army, notably armored vehicles and artillery, in a division-wide offensive. It relies on intelligence, meticulous planning, diversionary maneuvers and coordinated execution of multiple strategic operations. Resources are concentrated on one point of the front, while diversions are organized elsewhere.

The strategy of territory recapture attrition and harassment:

This less offensive approach aims to progressively erode the enemy's capability using harassment and attrition tactics. It may prove more effective when a divisional offensive is out of the question.

Whatever approach is chosen, the fundamental principles remain the same: intelligence gathering, preparation, planning, diversion and night-time offensive maneuvers, using available technology to gain an advantage.

To illustrate these concepts, let's look at two concrete examples:

Static front with trenches, mines and thermal surveillance.

Time 0: Initial preparation phase.

Time 1: Execution of a bombing operation aimed at destroying mines, the main objective and secondary targets as part of a diversionary maneuver.

Time 2: Night-time infiltration, with or without armored vehicles, supported by artillery to reach the enemy trench. Artillery neutralizes enemy thermal surveillance.

Time 3: Clearing the trench at night with an artillery barrage to prevent the arrival of enemy reinforcements.

Time 4: Occupation of the trench and arrival of reinforcements

This complex maneuver requires meticulous coordination, but is preferable to a direct attack.

High-intensity commando operation.

Time 0: Preparation and design taking into account the enemy's limited thermal capabilities.

Time 1: Night-time infiltration with thermal camouflage to position the support group optimally at a distance.

Time 2: Snipers and machine-gunners launch the attack, possibly supported by mortar fire.

Time 3: Sweep by the assault group.

Infiltration, taking into account the enemy's thermal technology, is crucial to the success of this operation - it takes time.

Conclusion

High-intensity warfare requires innovative strategies and precise coordination. Basic principles such as intelligence gathering, preparation, diversion and night-time offensive maneuvers remain essential, whatever the approach adopted. The judicious use of technology is crucial to minimizing casualties and ensuring success on the battlefield. Strategic use of material and human resources, combined with an armaments industry capable of rapidly producing quality equipment, is the key to a nation's success, complemented by nuclear deterrence, which can propel it to the rank of military superpower.