This Means War The strategy of attrition
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Mar 23, 2023 
Dr. Jack Watling, a senior research fellow at RUCI specializing in land warfare, sheds light on the intricate strategy of attrition in modern conflicts. He dives into historical perspectives, linking battles from the 19th Century to current situations like Ukraine. The discussion highlights the human element in leadership, where treating soldiers as individuals is vital. Watling also underscores the significance of battlefield geometry and the delicate balance commanders must strike between executing goals and managing personnel safety.
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Attrition and Maneuver
- Attrition is inherent to warfare, as maneuver aims to create lopsided attrition.
- Different forces value resources differently, influencing their perception of attrition.
Strategic Attrition
- Focusing on specific elements of an enemy's force structure is more effective than a general slogging match.
- Attrition can occur even with mismatched forces; the key is choosing the right targets.
Non-Linear Attrition
- The balance of attrition in war is non-linear, with periods of symmetry and asymmetry.
- Symmetrical attrition can be a deliberate phase to set up future maneuvers.