Moltke Tactical Problem 12
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- Опубліковано 12 вер 2024
- This series presents in shortened video form the tactical problems Field Marshal Moltke presented at the Prussian Army Staff College. Moltke coined the phrase that "No plan survives first contact with the enemy." He believed fighting effectively was exploring a series of options and these options were explored in his Tactical Problems.
In these videos we look at these problems, and their solutions, with the lens of playing wargames well.
This video is about the question, and solution for Problem 12
One more reason to pull back behind to lake and not directly turn and defend is because the attacking army usually starts with a very strong momentum, and u have to wear it down before to face it to let the defenses work... So keeping an advance guard in like wave breaker go break their momentum and the main defense is at the choke point with lake on one side ... And that 3 unit separated to defend is to prevent flanking from the only side it is possible... Thus momentum and flanking all are considered in the answer... Good tactic. I appreciate it.
Good point. The Advanced Guard buys the main body time, and momentum played into it.
I know the best answer is 2, but the aggressive part of me says to attack the smaller detatchments with youe whole division and force them to react. Unnecessarily risky, I know
These answers are never definitive, just the ones with the highest probability of success. An aggressive approach might work for your objectives as well. Give it a try on the table!
Good problem that required some thought, it is clearly the best idea for those reasons a you laid out. The enemy division is already messed up, so they will be unable to push, especially at the river. Replacing the division there completes the objective best.
You could first make the case for a shorter move back, but the southern flank is the consideration. Thanks for looking at the problem!
@@UmpireLaFondiose one other consideration is the notion that both divisions will be partly depleted after some fighting, especially you since you attacked in a city. Not only does this shorten supply lines for you, but makes supply lines for them longer, probably ending in their withdrawal from the area.
I'm really enjoying these. if you do more, or something similar, can you be more detailed with the options? For example. Option 2 was presented as pull the entire force back to between Vogelsdrof and Tasdorf, which would be a terrible idea. The solution given contained some vital differences, making it a good idea.
Or is that just straight up how Moltke presented it to begin with?
Anyhow, these are great.
@@cmachinist glad to hear you are enjoying them! The originals were not presented as options, but open ended questions. And your feedback is good, thanks
Your 'correct' choice was NOT the one you first described. My own would have been to hold that rough terrain with that body of water on my left. Alternatively, the choice to attack and defeat the enemy in detail seemed a viable option.
Moltke himself said his “solutions” were for stimulating thinking and understanding, and in there’s is never a correct solution. You make good points!
I'd do number 2.
Yay! Moltke and I agree!
Indeed! Best option to keep the mission fulfilled.