Chapter Six

Military Science and Art

What is military science & Art?

It is a field that Studies about the laws of how undertake war, battles & engagements. The laws
are strategic and tactical laws of war. These determine and enable how battles & engagements
are implemented at the spot. When it is said to be strategic and tactical, it meant that the laws of
military science are necessarily operational.

The war plan prepared at the strategic level and even the plan prepared to win a specified battle
depends upon the implementation of the laws of military science that shows how the war is going
to be undertaken. Thus, the laws of military science are that specifically provide directions how
war is undertaken at the strategic & tactical levels.

When we say the laws of military science, we meant that the laws that describe the nature or
characteristics, on the other hand the progress of the characteristics of the opposing forces during
the time of engagements. It shows the direction that the war has to follow.

From war point of view and considering the nature of involvement with an enemy force during
the time of engagements, the laws of military science formulates rules & directions of war at
strategic & tactical level or else at the three phases of operations,. Thus, whatever the type of
warfare (conventional or non conventional) the laws are applicable to both types of warfare.

The laws of our military science are those of laws that enable us to understand & describe the
nature of belligerent forces during wartime engagements. The laws of military science states
what ways the war has to follow? These laws are then, scientific laws that govern war at strategic
& tactical level of both types of warfare.

The law of military science identifies & states basic direction of how war is performed. After
formulating these laws the next task is to change these laws, rules & directions of military
science in to practical applications. And this becomes the task of military Art.

Military art is a branch of military science that implements the laws provided by military science.
Its source is the ideas from which military science emanates. The appropriate implementation of
the laws of the military science is proofed by evaluating and studying the internal characteristics
& essence of their implementations. It is from the essences of the laws that principles of military
art are formulated. Without clear understanding of the laws of military science, it is impossible to
have an art that could implement them in a right way.

2.2 Foundations of Military Science and Art

2.2.1. Military Doctrine as one of the Foundation for Military Science and Art

Military Science and Art are originated from the military doctrine that we already possessed. The
military doctrine that we have contains basic rules, which enable us to achieve our political
objective through during the time of war. It is the highest government rule to win war.

Our military science and art plays the most decisive role to the achievement of the political
objective stated in our military doctrine. That is why it formulates laws and principles of war,
governed by the rules of military doctrine. In other words, the laws of military science and the
principles of military art are governed by the rules specifically designed and stated in the military
doctrine. As such military doctrine is a and directions as well as a means to control and govern
military science and art.

It is the military science and art that enables us to build the army and undertake war. Our military
doctrine serves as a center to link military science and art, and as a political strategy of war and
other spheres of struggle related with a war. In short it serves as a foundation (basement) of our
military science and art.

Based on our military doctrine, our military science and art gives (searches) an answer to the
following questions:
What is going to be the nature of future war from the context of battles and engagements?
What is going to be an appropriate strategy and tactics to the already indentified nature of
future war?
How is going to be prepared armed forces that is capable enough to handle the nature of
future war?
How is going to be organized public support?

2.2.2. Philosophical Orientation about War and Military

The philosophical orientation and scientific analysis and thought about war and military is
another Foundation of military science and art. Therefore, the philosophical orientation and
scientific analysis of the society about the war and military serves as a base for military doctrine
as well as for our military science and art.

2.2.3. The Nature of our Enemy and the Situation of the Battlefield

The nature of our enemy and the situation of the battlefield is another Foundation of our military
science and art. The analysis and evaluation concerning the nature of enemy is an important
point of departure of military science and art. It is an immediate source. It is because of those of
the laws that govern war and their implementation procedures cannot be obtained from military
doctrine. It is therefore the nature and characteristics of the enemy that becomes another point of
departure to formulate the laws and principles of military science and art.

2.3 Basic Laws and Principles of our military science and Art

Our military science is a field of study that contains laws to govern military strategy and tactics.
These laws of rules military strategy and through the framework of military strategy, they rule
the military tactics too.

The laws of military science identified and stated to rule military strategy have a direct and an
indirect function and agreements with the rules and missions of military tactics. This implies that
the laws of military science directly and indirectly govern the tactical mission in harmonious
relationship with that of military strategy. Thus, the main content or essence of our military
science provides laws to govern, strategy and tactics.

The laws of our military science could be divided in to two parts. The first type is those of laws
that directly serves/applies in a war. The second type is those of laws that indirectly apply in a
war. Therefore, the laws of military science are divided in to direct and indirect laws of warfare.

2.3.1 Direct Laws of Military Science and Art

Law one: Offensive and Annihilative Approach

The justification of the nature of the war that caused by the anti-peace and the anti-democratic
forces is known by the term unjust war-which aimed to hinder the sustainability of the
developments began on the sphere of peace, democracy and progress. In order to defend &
maintain these developments, it becomes necessary to destroy an enemy by a war of annihilation.
From this side the war-aimed to maintain peace & democracy and it is considered to be rational
& a just war against the anti-peace and the anti-democratic forces.

Our first law of military science of just of war becomes a war of annihilation. And this is done by
a law of offensive and annihilative approach. The law is applicable to all phases of war
(including battles and engagements at tactical & strategic level). Every war, battle and
engagement shares that and has the characteristics of the law of offensive and annihilative
approach which is our first law of military science and art.

The war undertaken against the anti-peace and anti-democratic forces is a revolutionary war. By
its very nature it is an offensive war rather than a defensive war. The political objective of a
revolutionary war is always complete distraction of enemy forces once & for all by the law of
offensive and annihilation. Some times of course the revolutionary war especially in its inception
starts from a defensive war. This happens particularly during the outbreak of a conventional
warfare.

A conventional warfare happens, when there appeared a foreign invasion. From an enemy side it
is offensive, whereas from our side it will be defensive war at the beginning. However, from our
side it turned into offensive in nature with a political objective of annihilation.

The temporary defensive nature of a conventional war from our side is transferred in to a counter
offensive; first it serves as a springboard to transfer the war from defensive to offensive &
annihilation. The counter offensive is an important phase of defensive war, which happens here
and there as a small counter attack aimed at weakening and paralyzing the spearhead of all
attacking enemy forces. It follows a method/technique of cut (isolate) and attack the spear head
of enemy forces that penetrated deep in to area that an enemy aimed to conquer.
What does the law looks like in both types of warfare
The present day political platform of our country is preceded by an armed struggle that brought
the downfall of the Dergue regime. It is on its way to create a system that able to maintain peace,
order, and democracy and applied the principle of self-determination to secession,
constitutionally. Post to the downfall of the Dergue, the country is in a suitable situation for
economic development, which has already formulated its economic policy & began
democratization. The transitional period is culminated & substituted by the formation of
constitutional federal government after a popular election was held all over the country.
The nature of war which we are obliged to carry out is undoubtedly a just war. We may engage in
war only if we have exhausted all plausible, peaceful alternatives to resolve the conflict in
question, in particular diplomatic negotiation. Our government wants to make sure something as
momentous and serious as war is declared only when it seems the last practical and reasonable
option at effectively resisting aggression. According to our Foreign Affairs and National Security
Policy and Strategy, the war we involved in will be war of survival survival in Ethiopian
context has to do with sustainable development and good governance. In order to avoid
protracted war and minimize the impact of war on the ongoing development, democracy and
good governance, the battlefield engagement becomes then annihilating & eradicating an enemy
force as soon as possible using the offensive and annihilative approach. This is the central idea of
the first law that enables to give a solution, in order to maintain our national interest.

The law of our military science is determined to identify mission of a war that we are going to
undertake. It is therefore becomes necessary to understand how this basic law of our military
science is applied in a different types of warfare.

The first law of our military science is applied not only at strategic level but also at a tactical
level. At the strategic level, we annihilate the adversary to the level it cant pose any threat to our
transformational endeavors. At the tactical level, every unit or formation leader should destroy
enemy unit which he/she is assigned to. More specifically, destroying the enemy at the tactical
level means seizing the terrain controlled by the enemy forces, disorganizing the force and
capturing its substantial parts of weapons and equipments.

Key issues any command must raise in the planning process with the aim of annihilating
and destroying the enemy forces are:

Define the said enemy Force

Bringing political superiority and patriotisms in to play
Develop and implement offensive posture and attitude
2.3.2.1 Instrumental arts for the first Law

a) Building offensive culture and psychological readiness

In order to conclude each battle by annihilating an enemy force with minimal loss and in a short
time possible the people in general and the Armed Forces in particular should create extreme
hatred & offensive culture and psychological readiness. Hatred towards enemy, offensive culture
and attitude are necessary to bring the result of annihilation in each of the battles &
engagements. These are part of the principle of military art of warfare that implements the law of
offensive and annihilation. How could this principle be applied at strategic and tactical level?

At the strategic level, the whole nation and members of the armed forces must be aware of the
war so that we can bring our political superiority in to play. To instill ideas of hatred in the mind
of the public and the armed forces against an enemy as a means to create offensive culture and
attitude that could eliminate the enemy, the following steps should necessarily be implemented.
1. The idea, thought, principles and directions of the prevailing system must be
inculcated in the mind of the people at large. In return, the people will respond to
defend & maintain the prevailing order for the sake of its benefit and interest. The
inculcated idea should enable the people to identify enemies against his benefits &
interests.
2. Show the people its economic benefits, democratic rights & interests that are
maintained by the system.
3. Persuade the people about the purpose of the constitution and its functions. Show
them the governing constitution is democratic that maintains human & democratic
rights, & interests of the people. Then the people will become a guard of the
constitution & its system at large.

At the tactical level, democratic and comradeship relationship between different levels of the
members of the armed forces needs to be exercised. To annihilate an enemy force it is necessary
to create an offensive culture & attitude at tactical level. To do so, the following ideas should be
put into practice.
1. In all of its activities of the army, justice & democracy must prevail. The chain of
command that prevails among the army must be established on the basis of mission
accomplishment and comradeship.
 2. The political work that has to be undertaken among the army should be based on the
basis of the idea mentioned in number one. Problems or disputes originated among
the army should be solved on the basis of a democratic & participatory method.
3. The army should have to understand the prevailing system maintains his interest and
the interest of the people at large that the system is the only means, which would
maintain his interest on the future. It is through this that an offensive mind & spirit is
inculcated in the mind of an army in order to enable him defend the system. The
above-mentioned points/ideas should have to be practically implemented by an army
commander during the time when they undertake a buildup of the army.

b) Demonstrate offensive posture

The first law of our military science could be practical, if the army maintains an offensive stand
by posture in the following points:- an offensive posture can be described by the position of the
army, formation deployment, preparation that makes possibleetc. to undertake an offensive
attack under any circumstances. This is true during peace and wartime, as well as during
defensive and offensive war.

Having an offensive posture by itself is one factor to victory. But it should be supplemented by
having an instant combat readiness all the time that could facilitate victory.

Offensive posture implies force disposition, readiness and tactical movements should be in a way
that the force can conduct offensive action and reaction in all types of operations

At the strategic level

Garrisons must be established in areas where we can decisively react to any would be
invasion or threat

Integrating the military power with civil administration, local militia and the community
so that we can maximize our combat effectiveness, intelligence etc

Establish sustainment systems in all garrisons to sustain the force in its defensive and
offensive endeavors

At the tactical level

 Regiments and Divisions must ensure permanent readiness with maximum possible
sustainment standards

Ensure continuous up-to-date knowledge of enemy and terrain

Up-to-date disposition of force consistent with the up-to-date enemy movements

Ensure clear division of work and responsibility among units and formations during
engagement

c) Up-to-date and full-fledged knowledge about enemy

In order to annihilate an enemy force using an offensive approach, the army should possess all
the necessary information. An enemys way of thinking, position in location, interest, capacity,
knowledge of its tactics and ways of fighting are among the most important points that should
have to be known. These enable our army to gain the upper hand and implement annihilation.
Sustainable knowledge about an enemys all rounded activities and desires are at most important
to accomplish the law and principle of our military science. Thus, the sustainability & full-
fledged knowledge about an enemy is another principle of our military art.

At the strategic level

The following are important point that should have to be fulfilled at strategic level.

Have a clear up-to-date and full-fledged information about enemy weapon, man
power(morale etc.. ), command and control, doctrine and concept, intention, disposition
and military capability

The ways of fighting, rules and tactics of an enemy force must be detected.

Integrating and analyzing all the information from different sources

The enemys moral, capacity and desire to accomplish a given mission must be known.
There should be secure and effective dissemination of information to all concerned
bodies in the war decision making process.

At tactical level
 Maximize human intelligence through the local community both armed and un armed
people

Continuous deployment of reconnaissance units and gathering information, carried out

counter intelligence

Develop and prepare plan based on the gathered information and establish reporting
system from the lowest unit to the center

d) Initiative

The above discussed three principles, i.e., building offensive culture and psychological readiness,
offensive posture and the full-fledged knowledge about enemy are the important pre-conditions
that enable to preserve initiative in the hands of battalions, regiments & divisions. Initiative is a
tactical principle of military art, which enable us to transform a battle from defensive approach to
offensive & annihilative approach. In other words our plan and ways of fighting must dictate the
battle field, not the enemys.

As the defense force of the country, it has a mission to defend sovereignty, territorial integrity,
keep the security of strategically, economically and socially important institutions as well as
maintains peace and order of the people as large. It is because of these missions that our armed
forces must take always the initiative. If an enemy force is able to exploit initiative; the
sovereignty and security of our institutions as well as the peace that prevails are endangered.
Therefore, the defense force primary task is to become curious not to create a fertile ground to
the attacking enemy force to take initiative during the outbreak of a war.

At the strategic level

1. The geographical location of our armed forces should be suitable for the purpose of fast
deployment and taking initiative. In addition, the position and organization of our armed
forces should prevent the enemy forces from attempting to take initiative.
2. There must be carefully and purposefully organized Peoples army (militia) in most of the
areas.
 3. Fast and reliable way of gathering information using the mass as a source and by
installing reliable information communication system to facilitate easy and fast
dissemination of information to all the concerned bodies.

At tactical level

The armed forces camped on a probable battlefront should always be at instant combat readiness
by integrating and analyzing all the gathered information regarding the enemy from different
sources. This helps our armed forces to take the initiative against a probable enemy attack. This
means that:-

1. Ensure all rounded and continuous preparedness of our armed forces all the time &
season in order to make initiative possible.
2. Prepare an operational plan of a unit or battalion that enables the unit to take initiative
against the probable enemy attack.
3. The army unit on the front has always been on a continuous combat readiness. This is
constant assignment and part of its day-to-day activities of an army unit faced against an
enemy on the front.

Law two: Off - balance and destroy

The law of off-balance and destroy is the second law of our military science and art. This law has
a direct link with the first law of our military science and art. It answers as to how we can
destroy the enemy effectively and efficiently. It also emanates from our understanding of armed
forces as systems with different linkages, interrelated functions such as command and control,
and combat units. From the linkages and interdependencies, some have a central role in keeping
the balance of the entity and attacking this key part would put the enemy off-balance.

The nature of the Army and off-balance

An army is formed from a variety of departments and bodies. These formed together cohesive
whole when they are synchronized. The synchronization characteristics are interconnections of
varieties of army groups with a coordinated combat potential. The army with its synchronized &
coordinated combat potential creates a cohesive whole and becomes an institution by itself.
Organizing men and weapons in to varieties of departments, units, divisions etc,. All these are
synchronized to each other with a clearly defined chain of command extended from high to the
low level of command, creates it. The synchronization enables the army to be a cohesive whole
with one common breathing space.

As it is mentioned above an army is not an accumulation of men & weapons. Having men &
weapons, an army is well organized, coordinated and synchronized institution that creates power.
All the department organs, unities, divisions etc have their own specific but different types of
purposes. Though they are specific and different, the unity of the purposes of the different
sections on the army creates a potential to attain a single objective. These varieties of sections &
purposes of an army fail under one chain of command with one common breathing channel that
enables the army achieve its objective decisively. Therefore, possessing complex characteristics,
which are synchronized in to one whole, creates an army.

The synchronizations that creates one solid whole of an army prevails in all of its forces, such
as, ground & air force. Within the ground forces there are divisions, one of that is mechanized
force. The combination of these forces of an army creates what is called combined arms combat.
It is within this combined arms combat that we find the synchronized characteristics that enables
the army to be a force (single whole) that have energy to crush an enemy force.

The synchronized characteristics of a unit, which enables the army to produce capacity/energy, to
defend and hit an enemy force decisively, is a characteristic that serves in both types of warfare,
that is, conventional army units and force organized for a non conventional warfare. The
synchronization characteristics of the non conventional units exist not only within the units but
also among the units and the people. It prevails within and among units as well as among the
units and the people.

The units capacity to fight non conventional warfare depends up on their synchronizations. The
existence of the non conventional warfare depends upon its guerrilla in nature. The guerrilla lives
among the people that enable it to survive. Without the support of the people the guerrillas
existence is unthinkable. If the guerrilla is detached from the people, it could not only survive,
but also loses its capacity to fight.

The non conventional warfare fighters relationship with the people is divided in to two. First,
they are born among the people that face grievance created by the prevailing system. It is this
nature (grievance) that made them to emerge and obtains support from the people that enable it
to survive. The political objective of the guerrilla, which makes its cause the peoples grievances,
enables it to be attached with the people. Its attachment arises from possessing the spirit and
interest to the people therefore; its source of power is the people, which enable to survive and to
fight.

The second type of relationship is described by the anti people guerrilla nature. This is the nature
that the guerrilla or the other non conventional warfare fighters become antagonistic to the
peoples interest. It is antagonistic, because it emerges from its own basic interest rather than the
interest of the people, since it emerges or exists with the absence of a proper system. The basis
for the rise of this type of guerrilla is the selfish and narrow desires of its founders. Because of
this nature, it could not obtain base and support from the people. It is therefore introduces
intimidation, harassment and instills terror for its survival. A typical example is OLF.

The two types of non conventional warfare fighters in any way could not survive, if the people
do not support them. That means that the guerrilla without the people and the fish without water
are the same. The guerrillas lose information, supplies and sanctuaries (bases), which are very
important for its survival. If the guerrillas are to survive without the interest of the people they
should to introduce intimidation and harassment. From this it can be conclude that, either to
survive or to dissolve the nature of synchronization of the non conventional warfare fighters and
the people remains very important. In addition to the synchronization, the secure sanctuaries that
serve as a base of the guerrillas are also important. The base becomes very important, since it
serves as the main center of logistics, medical, training before and after a war. However this is
possible when the guerrillas and the people are interconnected to each other, which means in
another words synchronization. The synchronization is a central idea that interconnects the
people, the guerrilla and the base areas together, and creates power that enables it to undertake
guerrilla warfare.

This discussion makes clear that the power of an army or units of an army depends upon the
characteristics of synchronization. If an army or its unit able to maintain its nature of
synchronization during wartime, it means that the army or units have strong power to fight to the
end of the war. It could have a capacity to hit and destroy an enemy force decisively. If the
opposite becomes true, the unit of an army or the whole army remains annihilated and removed
from the spot. If synchronization is damaged the army is converted into a collection of men and
weapons. It is therefore the synchronization nature of an army should be identified-in order to
implement our first law of military science (which means, the law of offensive and annihilation).

Attacking enemys key linkage and cohesion

An armed force is the main potential to fight and destroy enemy forces during the
commencement of a war, as far as its synchronization nature remains intact. But if its linkage or
synchronization is affected or damaged by the war, the armed force is going to lose its fighting
capacity. Therefore, it is this nature that has to be identified in order to create a loose connection
or cut off the integration among the enemy forces, which finally leads to its off-balance.

The first job is to identify the most important part of synchronization of an enemy, though
synchronization exists at every stage/phase of an army. After doing it, it is these parts have to be
disconnected from the rest of the enemy by attacking these parts decisively. If this is successfully
achieved the whole enemy loses its synchronization at each of its phases and leads in to the total
off-balance.

The different parts of departments, units, divisions, regiments, battalions etc loses their cohesive
nature, when the synchronization that prevails in each of them is attacked. Even if the
synchronization is remained intact at one section of an enemy force and the enemy may have the
capacity to continue the fight until its linkage or synchronization nature is demolished decisively.

However not all synchronizations have equal contribution or value during war. The degree of
importance of these synchronizations varies when it descended from higher to lower level of the
chain of command of the enemy. The top command of an operation or battle must focus on the
overall enemys balance. Enemy strength and vulnerabilities must be identified. All efforts must
focus to exploit vulnerabilities and undermine strengths to put the enemy off-balance.

Off-balance to destroy

In order to destroy an enemy easily and successfully, what is important to do, is to off-balance it.
Off-balance leads to destroy the enemy forces, through focusing the enemys most decisive part
i.e. the pillar of all synchronizations of the enemy forces. This is done until the pillar remains
paralyzed, that means until it loses its function to lead, coordinate, and connect all the
synchronizations. Decisive hit to the pillar is the only alternative to make all an enemy forces a
collection of men and weapons. Similarly to the above explanations, the hit towards
synchronization should of course descend from the pillar to the lower section of the enemy in
order to change an enemy force in to a collection of men & weapons.

The decisive attack on synchronization that leads to off-balance should be undertaken at all
levels of enemy armed forces. If this is successfully and practically implemented an enemy
armed force would be off-balanced, and paralyzed. However this is not an end by itself.

From the above, it is clear that off-balance is the result of the decisive attack against all
synchronizations which leads to disconnection of all departments, forces, units, divisions,
battalions, etc. As a result, it leaves the whole enemy forces without leadership, logistics and
ammunition supplies. This situation leads to off-balance, which becomes a means to an end, but
not an end by itself. It is a means to an end and that end is destruction.

Off-balance happens step by step before and during the commencement of a battle. It can be
divided in to three phases. The first phase is before the beginning of a battle. At this phase the
target for off-balance is a background to change the face of a battle if it becomes successful. This
is done by disseminating information that misleads an enemy force, neglecting or hiding from
enemy force necessary information and undertaking deployment and movement of an army from
place to place that could force an enemy force to arrive at wrong conclusion. These enable to
weaken an enemys military activity, when an enemy attempts to reorganize, rearrange,
reestablish, etc. that exposed it to danger. This is the first stage of off-balance of an enemy force.

The second phase of off-balance happens during the beginning of battle. Units or echelons
deployed at the beginning of the battle until the synchronized pillar is destroyed. Deployed
echelons do this across an area occupied by an enemy force. It is decisive because its target is to
off-balance the center of gravity, which cannot become very simple. The center of gravity that is
the pillar is guarded or defended by enemy force that is synchronized to each other. That means
the attack to destroy the center of gravity passes through strong enemy defense. It needs to break
all the synchronizations that lead to the center of gravity. The attack against the linkage or
synchronization leads to the disconnection until the attack finally arrives at the center of gravity,
which leads to the complete off-balance of enemy armed forces.
 From the above discussion, it is clear that off-balance remains to be a long process begins before
a battle and continues during the commencement of the battle. It continues up to the end of the
battle, even though the center of gravity is off-balanced. During an engagement off-balance at
every step leaves a place or prepares suitable situations to destroying the enemy forces. In this
way a battle is transferred from a phase of off-balance to a phase of destruction. However these
are not two different battles. They are two phases of the same battle, i.e. the former leads to the
later during a commencement of a battle.

Off-balance is a means to destroy the adversary, not an end by itself. Off-balance must follow by
destruction of the intimidated and disorganized enemy. Otherwise a clever commander can
revive and reconstitute himself to halt our end state. Off-balance is a process throughout a battle,
an operation and /or a war.

Basic concepts in the process from off-balance to destroy

1. The center of gravity

Center of gravity is by itself a synchronization, which serves as a pillar of all an armys

synchronized characteristics, which enables an army to produce power and potential to hit an
enemy force. The existence of this decisive synchronization, i.e. the center of gravity meant that
the army could fight with all its ability, which is of course makes, its destruction difficult.
However the contrary to this statement is true. If the center of gravity is off-balanced as the result
of the disconnection emerged within the synchronized pillar, it becomes easy to destroy because
the enemy loses its ability & capacity to fight. Without the center of gravity the enemy forces
will be paralyzed. Therefore a center of gravity on the one hand enables these synchronizations
to create cohesiveness, have power & capacity; on the other hand it serves as a pillar, which is its
most decisive role in the army.

1.1. How the center of gravity is identified?

The center of gravity or synchronized pillar is not one definite point or sub-unit. It is an
accumulation of forces that could appear in one specific battlefront, which serves as a nucleus to
synchronize those synchronized characteristics of a unit, or units camped on the front and give
decision and determine capacity.

The center of gravity is identified as: first, there must be a clear understanding about the mission
and intention of the enemy. The reason why enemy forces desire to fortify in that specified place
and the capacity of this force in terms of manpower and logistical support. Second, the next step
is to understand the organization of the enemy and its distribution of forces in terms of location.
Third, there should be clear understanding about the battlefield and the nature of the operation,
and the purpose & capacity of each section of enemy forces distributed in different locations.
These three steps should be analyzed. Following to the analysis which creates awareness and
understanding that enables to identify which parts of these sections of an enemy force plays
decisive role to synchronize and integrate the synchronized different sections into a cohesive
whole. In addition to his role it should also be evaluated the relationship of this section (pillar)
with the rest of other sections. These are not the only means to identity the center of gravity of an
enemy force, but also the specified place, the role of each section of an enemy force and their
coordinated relationship or synchronization as well as their images have to be clearly stated,
from which the main section is attacked it changes the remaining sections in to a loose
connections or leads the whole synchronizations in to disintegration. That identified main section
becomes then the center of gravity of an enemy force.

It cannot be definitely said that of course, the forces considered as a center of gravity is always
the same and constant. In a combined arms combat, which is modern type of warfare, the force
that could become center of gravity is a synchronization of tank force coordinated with other
forces. However at all places & conditions, the tank force could not always be center of gravity.
Of course, if a tank force is seen in an area occupied by an enemy force it becomes a center of
gravity.
Sometimes the existence of a tank force could not be considered as a center of gravity. Because
of the center of gravity sometimes exist in another form. To identify in a specified army groups
the above mentioned criteria should be applicable before considering the tank group as the
enemy center of gravity. Thus, the purpose & obligation, the capacity and power distributions in
terms of space of a specified enemy force should be analyzed to identify the probable center of
 gravity. Those identified enemy groups that might be considered as a center of gravity should
again be analyzed their roles of synchronization collectively as synchronizations that prevail
among them from the analysis that have done already. From this the most important group that
able to create cohesiveness should be identified. It is this that becomes then the center of gravity
of a specified enemy force.

1.2. How a center of gravity is analyzed?

After indentifying a center of gravity (CoG) the next step becomes analysis. To analyze a center
of gravity meant that to evaluate the synchronizing characteristics of center of gravity and its
capacity to hit an organized enemy force. To analyze it there are essential points that have to be
taken in to consideration for identification & evaluation. These are the forces from which the
center of gravity is constructed in terms of type, size, coordination, the spaces where the forces
of the center of gravity occupied and their roles, the role of each of the forces integrated in a
center of gravity and their collective action to produce a capacity to resist. To analyze and
evaluate the center of gravity meant that to understand characteristics and the resistance, which is
produced by it that enables to develop a plan to destroy an enemy force.

To analyze a center of gravity in another words meant that to identify & state the nature of the
CoG. That means to state clearly the CoG based on facts of the forces identity and nature, their
position in terms of space and their synchronizations to each other; and their mission and
intentions. Their strengths and weaknesses of those should be identified. The value of the
strength to create resistance and its maneuver on the one hand and the weaknesses to create
difficulties or hindrance on the other hand should be evaluated and arrived at conclusions.

Based on the conclusion arrived from the analysis, a force that could off-balance the enemys
CoG should be organized by taking in to consideration of type and size and, deployment of the
army on the one hand coordination of the army on the other hand. Next to this, the off-balancing
force way of attack & defense against the strong side of the center of gravity and the way how
the weak side of the CoG facilities to its failure should also be stated. It is on the basis of these
analysis that off-balance the enemys center of gravity is under taken.

Identifying & analyzing a center of gravity becomes a basis to create force that could be
deployed. It is a point of departure to understand the way to formulate a plan that enables to
undertake combat. It focuses on analyzing the relationship between the CoG and other forces,
evaluate the capabilities of the CoG, identify the weak points of the enemy to attack the CoG and
estimate the required force to attack the CoG and to achieve the off-balance effects.

2. Off-balance

Off-balance means that to apply a decisive hit and demolish the center of gravity in order to
paralyze combat capacity of an enemy force. It happens through a process until the center of
gravity loses its capacity that leads to lose activity and weakening of its capacity, which finally
leads to lose the war and be paralyzed. Off-balance has three steps. The first step is happened
before the beginning of a combat, the second step is during the beginning, the third and final is
during the commencement of a combat. Through this process off-balance happened when the
center of gravity is demolished. If the decisive synchronization is demolished, the ongoing
combat changes its nature. The nature of the combat changes from the most difficult phase of
resistance in to the disorganized phase of resistance. In general, this is the stage where the enemy
forces start losing the war and friendly forces start winning it. As a result, the enemy reaction
becomes unorganized and unfocused.

3. The phase of off-balance

The process beginning from a combat till the destruction of the center of gravity is called the
phase of off-balance. The beginning of the process is to make an enemy arrive at wrong decision.
This happens before the beginning of combat during which time misguiding informations are
disseminated to the enemy in different ways in order to mislead it. The next process of off-
balance happens during combat time; the two steps of the process happened by destroying the
forces lay across the direction that leads deep to the center of gravity it finally concluded by
demolishing it.

The phase of off-balance is mainly focuses on exposing the enemys CoG for the decisive attack
and attacking the CoG. During the off-balance phase, tasks may include; information operation
and deception to blind and force him to make wrong decisions, brief engagements and clearing
small enemy units to facilitate by-pass. It is an effect as a result of interrelated and well devised
process.
However, this does not mean that phase of off-balance is concluded after the destruction of the
center of gravity, which of course, leads to the phase of destruction. Even though in the phase of
destruction the main concern is destroying all the forces, it is done when the momentum of off-
balance is continued to its end. Destruction of an enemy force is fully confirmed when the
momentum of off-balance is deeply and widely occurred to destroy the center of gravity and
paralyses the fight whole fighting force of an enemy.

4. Annihilative phase

As it is mentioned above the phase of annihilation begins to happen after the center of gravity is
fully destroyed. The mission of this phase is not to allow a breathing space for the off-balanced
enemy forces due to the destruction of their decisively synchronized part (center of gravity). This
is done by under taking continuous hit to the off-balanced enemy forces until the enemy forces
are completely annihilated.

Enemy forces are completely annihilated under the phase of destruction. However, there is also
destruction under the phase of off-balance. This happens because of the struggle to cross the
direction that leads to the center of gravity. The forces that are assigned to arrive at the center of
gravity destroy the lines or place, which are defended by an enemy force. Destruction during the
phase of off-balance is also occurred as the result of the maneuver to hinder an attacking force
and counter attack of an enemy force. To clear and move forward towards the center of gravity
those of enemy forces fortified on the direction of attack are destroyed. Even though its main
purpose is off-balance there is also destruction within that process of off-balance. In short, with
in the phase of destruction there is off-balance; similarly within the phase of off-balance there is
destruction.

Instrumental military arts to the 2nd Law

1. Maneuver

Maneuver is an instrument to put the enemy in disadvantageous position through flexible

application of combat power. The effects of maneuver include:

To blind and deceive the enemy so that he will make a wrong decision or to remain
indecision
 To put the enemy in disadvantageous posture in order to expose the enemys
vulnerabilities and facilitate conditions for the decisive action

Defeat the enemy attacking its center of gravity (CoG) and achieve the off-balance
effect

Exploit success and annihilate the adversary

There are four forms of maneuver. These are: infiltration, penetration, envelopment and turning
movement.

2. Surprise

Surprise is striking the enemy at a time, space and/or a manner for which he is unprepared.
Offensive culture and permanent readiness will give us the opportunity to take the advantages of
surprise.

3. Linking the two phases

An enemy is not a passive entity. Gap between the two phases means you give the enemy a
chance to reconstitute itself and hence to pose a threat against you.

Third Law: Concentration of forces at a selected direction of attack

The third law of our military science explains that after identifying the main direction of attack,
then concentration of the combat power at that decisive point has to be applied. The war or
battles that we had engaged so far are emanated from our political objective, and it gives
emphasis to destruction of our enemy through attack. To destroy an enemy by means of attack
requires understanding of the nature of the enemy forces through scientific method. This will
create simple and reliable talent to destroy and disconnect the key linkage or enemys center of
gravity through off-balance. So far, we explored rules that govern the course of a war or a battle.
Now we will turn to our third law that explains which directions and what kind of combat power
should we use in a certain course of attack.

The main objective and mission of military strategy is to accomplish the objective of political
strategy through warfare means. The third law of our military science puts that by dividing and
distributing our combat power in all directions equally; we have to identify the enemys center of
gravity to concentrate our combat power on the selected direction of attack.

We can explain the scientific nature of this third rule in another method. There might be several
directions that lead us to the enemys center of gravity that we intended to place our major blow
to destroy the enemy through off-balance. The directions might be to the right or left, to the rear
or front of enemys center of gravity. Nevertheless, all of these directions that lead us to enemys
center of gravity might not have Equal importance and contribution to our cause. Some of them
may require us to face tremendous difficulties, obstacles, and expenses; and the blow may not
reach at the right target and remain in vain. Other directions, on the other hand, may not lead us
to the right place (target) at the right time. Hence, all directions may not have similar features.
Every direction needs evaluation by setting criteria. By means of evaluation, one direction could
surpass the others. From the various anticipated directions, we have to select only one best
direction that could lead us to the precise point of attack. We have to be sure that the selected
direction is cost-effective and the shortest one to reach on the anticipated point. It should be also
capable of deploying our combat power with its full formation. Thus, this implies that there is
only one direction that leads the allocated combat power with its full attacking formation intact
to the identified enemys center of gravity to place its blow. There will not be more than one
direction that could suffice the criteria at equal level. Therefore, one aspect of our third law is to
select one main direction of attack by setting criteria and unleash our attack on this direction.

The other aspect of this rule warns us not to concentrate excess combat power at a certain point.
This will help us to prevent our combat power from exposition to enemys attack, or to enemys
modern destructive weapons. Conversely, the law puts that the combat power should be
concentrated on the main direction of attack to destroy the enemy reliably. This means that the
combat power should be concentrated on the main selected direction of attack.

When we say we have to select one main direction of attack, it does not mean that there will not
be other supportive directions of attack. As it is noted above, the meaning of selecting one main
direction of attack is selecting the best direction of attack from the available several directions
and deciding that direction to accomplish the main task. But this does not mean that other
directions of attack will not exist. Identifying the main direction of attack and concentrating the
combat power on this direction means selecting and using the best direction that suffices the
criteria from the alternatives available on the spot to execute the task. Since the success or failure
of an attack is determined by the main direction of attack, priority should be given to
identification of the direction, to our capability and power to accomplish the mission reliably.

To select the main direction of attack, the criteria should be clear and specific. The direction that
will be selected as main direction of attack should give consideration to the character of the
attacking combat power and should allow the combat power to deploy with its full formation.
This means, if the combat power that is ready to execute an attack is a combined force of tank,
anti-tank, armored infantry, artillery, and anti-aircraft, the selected direction of attack should
assemble and integrate these force and units to affect a high result with a situation capable of
unleashing hand to hand fighting.

To select the main direction of attack we have to use the following major criteria.

1. The direction of attack should be the shortest possible path to attack the enemys
center of gravity (CoG).
2. The selected direction of attack should be capable of allowing and integrating our
combat power to accomplish its mission with its full capacity. It should also magnify
its strengths, and conversely should conceal (cover) its weaknesses. It should be
convenience to proceed from one phase to another phase.
3. To integrate and connect the process of off-balance effectively, the direction should be
capable of directly transferring from off-balance to destruction.

Therefore, to select one main direction of attack, we have to provide three or four directions as
alternatives. By evaluating and comparing the three or four directions through the established
criteria, it will be necessary to select the one that suffices the criteria highly than the others as a
main direction of attack. From the remaining directions, one or two of them can be selected as
supportive to the main direction of attack. If necessary, a supportive direction of attack may be
selected after evaluating its importance as a main direction of attack. In this case, the main
criteria should be convenient for the attacking force (tank, motorized if applicable).
After the main direction of attack is being selected by evaluating it against the established
criteria, the selected direction of attack needs detail-study and analysis. It is also necessary to
identify and specify the advantages (strong points) of the selected direction during our endeavor
to use it by deploying the combined forces of our combat power. We have to put directives on
how to employ and integrate the advantages (strong points) that we obtained from the selected
main direction of attack in order to develop the course of the direction of attack. Side by side
with this, the rule explains that we have to identify the disadvantages (weak points) and devise
mechanisms that enable us to minimize or avoid the weak points.

The background to put and analyze in detail the strong and weak points of the main direction of
attack is the criteria that we have established to select the main direction of attack. For example,
to select the main direction of attack we have to evaluate its length, breadth, preciseness to lead
us to enemys center of gravity, capability of allowing the selected combat power with its
selected formation, the existing obstacles, and conduciveness to accomplish and integrate phases
of off-balance and destruction. To underpin the strong points and to mitigate or eliminate the
weak points, it will be necessary to analyze and study the selected direction of attack
exhaustively.

Identifying, analyzing, and selecting the main direction of attack helps us to determine whether it
is necessary or not to select a supportive direction of attack. The supportive direction of attack
will be selected after evaluating its importance to the main direction of attack. The next step will
be identifying of the quantity and type of the combat power that will be deployed to accomplish
the mission through the supportive direction of attack. From this point of view, the weak and
strong points of the supportive direction of attack will be studied. The same will be applied here
as it was done for the main direction of attack i.e. from this we will formulate directives of
implementation.

The major criterion to select a supportive direction of attack is its importance in solving the
identified weak points of the main direction of attack. The best direction that is capable of
solving weak points of the main direction of attack will be selected as supportive direction of
attack.
It is clear that if the main direction of attack is identified based on a precise method, the direction
will affect the accomplishment of the mission on reliable bases. To accomplish the attack that is
anticipated to carry out on the main direction of attack at a minimum cost, there must be other
directions of attack that will have great contribution to the efficiency of the attack on that main
direction. We have to utilize these directions of attack. Utilization of these supportive directions
of attack underpins our rule of concentration of a combat power on an identified decisive point of
attack. We have to select the supportive direction of attack only when we are sure enough that it
has great importance and contribution to the main direction of attack.

When we say concentration of combat power on the main direction of attack, it does not mean
concentration of all combat power that we have at hand on this direction. Concentration of the
combat power on the main direction of attack means concentration and deployment of adequate
and necessary combat power on the main direction of attack in type and quality to accomplish
their missions at minimum cost and in a short period of time.

To generalize, when our third law says identification of the main direction of attack and
concentration of our combat power on that decisive point means, firstly, identify one decisive
and main direction of attack from the available several alternatives. It also puts that there will be
a supportive direction of attack that will help to speed up the accomplishment of the mission.
Secondly, we have to allocate reliable and sufficient combat power on the main direction of
attack. Nevertheless, we have to avoid unnecessary combat power concentration on the area. The
allocation of force should be logical and precise. It should also take into account the importance
of the supportive direction of attack, to the efficiency of the destruction phase.

Instrumental military arts to the 3rd law

Identify decisive point, key juncture and hold back the enemy in this key juncture

Dispersed combat power may be overwhelmed by enemy combat power and hence lead to
defeat; because failure to deal with the decisive point is failure to deal with the main strength of
the enemy.

The theory of concentrating superior combat power at a decisive point on the main direction of
attack has intertwined two aspects. The first one is identifying the main direction of attack while
the second is massing (concentrating) superior combat power on that main direction of attack.
This implies that after clearly knowing the decisive point we have to apply adequate manpower
and hold the decisive point tightly there by create a favorable condition to execute the
proceeding mission with simplicity and achieve a tangible result.

The decisive blow (struck) that will be created by massing and choosing enemys decisive point
(enemys center of gravity) will enable us to destroy the enemy by off-balance. Then holding and
fixing on that point tightly is one of the important principles of military art. Failure to hold this
decisive point tightly is not only a loss of victory but is also an acceptance of defeat.

When we mean enemys decisive point or center of gravity, it is to mean the consolidated
position of an enemy. In modern combined warfare, enemys center of gravity or main decisive
point is the tank. This means the enemy uses tank as a means to work with its full capacity. Since
ensuring victory against this enemys main power i.e. the tank or the enemy that uses tank as its
center of gravity is not that much simple. The first strong and decisive mission should be to hold
and fix on that decisive point tightly and then to destroy it completely. This is the first strong and
decisive task that enables to alter the battle in type.

Concentrate the necessary force to the mission

Destroying enemys decisive point or center of gravity and confirming off-balance is a decisive
task. An enemy can be deterring from launching an organized attack when its main and strong
source of strength or its center of gravity is paralyzed. In order to destroy the enemy and
conclude the battle, the main task will be to strike directly the enemys center of gravity.

Massing of essential combat power on the main direction of attack means:

1. Allocation of minimum essential combat power qualitatively and quantitatively that

could execute the task for granted, and concentrate this force on that decisive point.
2. Evacuate extra forces or forces without clear mission from the area. When we
examine these two points (i.e. that should be done and not be done), they point out
that in a battle economy of force is very important. The principle of military art
 clearly sets down economy of force could be ensured only through allocation of
minimum essential combat power rather than by other means.

Concentration of force in the main direction consists of:

Assign enough force in the key juncture to overwhelm the enemy both in quantity and
quality
Economy of force meaning avoid any excess deployment of force.

Fourth Law: Continuous and sequential attack

The laws of our military science and art so far discussed tries to address some questions that may
encounter us during wartime (battles). To carry out this mission (offensive and annihilative
approach) we have to know where our enemy has to be blown (struck) and what is the objective
of our blow (struck); our second rule puts that to destroy our enemy by unleashing attack we
have to blow (struck) its center of gravity and off-balance the enemy; our third rule answers that
in order to destroy and off-balance enemys center of gravity, we have to select the main
direction of attack that leads us into enemys center of gravity. Thus, to succeed our mission of
anticipated war, the laws have specified and put which part of our enemy has to be blown, and
which direction of attack has to be chosen. The remaining issue that seeks an answer is how
should we execute these directives? Our fourth military science rule provides an answer to this
question. That is application of continuous and sequential course of attack.

What do we mean by continuous and sequential course of attack?

Continuous and sequential course of attack means the attacks intended to destroy the enemy
should be supported one another by lapping the one on the other and the latter attack should
erupt out of the former attack and exploit the created favorable environment in order to deepen
and breadth the course of the attack. The attack should also be capable of imposing high
causalities before the enemy recovered from its losses. The various attacks that will be launched
continuously must support each other and the sum total of their result should be intensified into
high-level attack. It should be a deliberate attack. This means the attack should be constant and
consolidated through the process and maintain its momentum. This course of attack should be
executed with prudence and planned to effect its mission before the enemy recovered from its
losses.

What is our background to follow this rule? The rule emanates from the theory that spell out war
is not something but is a social activity. As it is noted in our military science, war is not merely a
fight between armies who are agents of the societies but also it is a means of imposing the
interests and wills of two opposing societies on others via force.

Scientific law, be it natural or social, governs every activity. There will not be exception to this
law. Since war is the integral part of social activities, it is governed by rules that determine the
activities of the society. Every activity is the outcome of the struggle and unity of two opposing
forces. It is a customary rule that governs every activity. Thus customary rule emanates from the
struggle between the reactionary and the newly emerging progressive forces. The struggle will be
concluded with the victory of the latter. The struggle between the two adversaries is the result of
the accumulated changes. This accumulated change will be shifted to a distinct movement at one
stage in time. We said that scientific law governs both natural and social struggles, however, their
difference lie upon their execution.

Natural law explains the type of relationship among materials (things that do not have
conscience). This activity is performed gloomily without the intervention of opposing forces
sense, will and faith. For example, through the process of boiling, water evaporates until it
reached 100 degree centigrade. When it reached 100 degree centigrade it transformed into
chemical change, which is evaporation. On this process of change (in the natural law) faith,
sense, and will are non-existent on the materials. Hence, they do not have the power of delaying
or speeding-up the process of change. The customary law is performed spontaneously.

Social law, however, differs from natural law. People who have sense, wills, and faiths perform
the law. People can play an active role in certain activities when they participate by their own
wills and beliefs. Although the active participation of people cannot prevent the accomplishment
of the inevitable process of change but can play a significant role in delaying or speeding-up the
aspects of the change.

We said that war is an integral part of other social activities and it governed by laws. This means:
 1. As an integral part of social activities, war effects change.
2. Since people that have senses carry out social law, wills and faiths, people played a
significant role both in delaying or speeding-up the process of change.
3. War is manifested as a result of the conflict of two opposing forces, where the newly
emerging progressive force will be the victor.
As we understood from the above scientific analyses, chemical process can be accomplished
when the accumulated physical changes are transformed in essence to another form. An example
of the water illustrates this process. Now we will see our fourth rule based on this truth.

The fourth rule of our military science points out that the attacks should have continuity as water
is changed into evaporation through the process of boiling and on the way chemical process has
taken place. Like the example of the water, as we pose continuous attacks on our enemy, each
attack will inflict a heavy loss on him. The accumulated result of these attacks, at one stage, will
effect the destruction of the enemy completely, which is a chemical process.

As it is stated above, the evaporation of water is a natural activity. The law is performed
spontaneously by its own way. However, war is a social activity. People, who have mind, will,
and faith can only perform this law. It can also be delayed or speeded up by the significant role
of the people. Accordingly, when friendly troops move to unleash an attack, the enemy will
perform activities either to defend himself or to minimize its impact.

The objective of both sides is to impose his will upon his enemy. The course of a war did not
advance merely by the will of the one side. War or battle is a fight between two opposing forces
with an intention of scoring a victory. It is not determined by the activity of one side. Continuous
course of attack can be effected only by means of defending and reversing enemys attack. The
above idea serves as a clarification to the essence of our fourth rule.

As it is noted, series course of attack had intertwined two issues. The first one is there should be
series and constant mission of attack that could be executed without interruption. Secondly, the
above-mentioned series attacks should be supported each other and interconnected. It is to mean
that the former attack should make favorable environment to the ensued attack. The latter attack
should use the previous attack as a starting point and consolidate and breadth the gained result to
score a high achievement.
Since war is not determined by the interest or activity of one side, we have to forecast enemys
activities and reverse these activities to the advantage of our cause we have to assess the
capability of enemys combined force. The attacks should also ensure the destruction of our
enemy.

In general the continuous and sequential attack mainly focuses on interrelated and harmonized
effects through sequential actions. The philosophical foundation for this rule is the political
version of for every action, there is equal and opposite reaction which is one of the law of
physics. Our war is war of survival and hence it involves aggressive action and reaction; I.e.
domination through continuity and sequentially is a must to achieve survival and destruction of
the adversary.

Instrumental military arts to the 4th Law

1. Permanent readiness

Construction of permanent and sustainable readiness is decisive to unleash an irresistible attack

on the enemy. The friendly army should be permanently ready to unleash destructive attacks by
deterring the enemy from preparing and thinking of attacking the friendly forces. Permanent
readiness helps to ensure agility and to sustain the operation and maintain the forces offensive
posture. To unleash series attacks, the readiness of the friendly army should focus on the
following factors.

a) Provide every unit with the required logistical and personnel components. The nature of
the operation must be determined before hand and preparation of ammunition,
explosives, medicine etc must be with the consideration of the nature of the operation.

b) Ensure mobility every unit/formation should be able to move in the shortest possible
notice with its full load of equipments, materiel and personnel.

c) Intelligence preparation it is imperative to prepare, analyze and disseminate intelligence

information to all concerned bodies.

2. Comprehensive plan
Operational plan must give a sense of holistic direction, the transformation of the cumulative
effects of each activity into full success. The plan must cover the full spectrum of the war, the
operation or the battle. The plan should also be prepared in a way that can show the interest of
the friendly forces (from where it will start and to where it will go). On the contrary, it
anticipates likely enemy courses of action and the actions that should be taken to reverse
enemys activities. It should also show the missions of each force and sections of the army. Each
and every force should prepare itself to execute its mission as it is designed at the general plan.

The comprehensive operational plan must predict the foreseeable challenges, frictions and set
directions to solve the problems and challenges.

3. Maintain Momentum

Whether to apply series courses of attacks or to off-balance and destruct the enemy through one
course of attack, harassing the enemy by maintaining a momentum is a very decisive action.
Maintaining a momentum helps not only to harass the enemy but also it prevents the reversing of
the attack of the friendly forces by the enemy or helps it not to stop after a certain distance
(giving the enemy no opportunity to respond with coordinated or effective opposition).

What should be done to maintain our momentum? We have to know our enemy, knowing our
enemy is a starting point to all of our tasks. To formulate our preparation we have to ask
ourselves, what can do our enemy? After providing an answer to such question, we have to
formulate our preparation or tactics. In doing so, to fight our enemy through maintaining of our
momentum, we have to know our enemy and its training method and its tactics. By taking this
into account, we have to prepare ourselves, use effectively our time, material and manpower
economically and at the right place; and reorganizing ourselves, fulfilling incomplete materials
and taking corrective measures. We have to scrutinize the above issues whether they are going
smoothly or not. In short, maintaining momentum means to strike and paralyze our enemy and
on the way to ensure our own strength and capability of unleashing a strong strike upon our
enemy by controlling ourselves while we fight.

In general, momentum refers to progressive advance/development and ever-growing action to

keep the pace of the operation and the position you have achieved. Remember the reaction,
adaptability and counter measures from the enemy side. To this effect: know the enemy tactics,
intention and mindset, economical use of force, sustain the force by providing the necessary
logistical support, timely correction of mistakes and exploit success.

4. Continuous and effective maneuver and fire power

According our view, attack means an assault unleashed to destroy mercilessly our enemy
completely with effective fire power and maneuver. Without enduring effective fire and
maneuver, it is impossible to reach at the anticipated place by carrying out effective attack. It is
also unthinkable to snatch enemys position and destroy it completely.

Hence, ensuring continuous fire and maneuver is indispensable to unleash series attacks; and it is
very decisive to determine the fate of a battle i.e. victory or defeat since it is the key of all
preparations or readiness. Above all, in a certain battle, the kernel of all preparations, including
army build-up, is ensuring of effective fire and maneuver and keeping of it in order to destroy the
enemy on a certain battle. The end result of the long-term preparation is ensuring of effective fire
and maneuver.

The fire should be continuous and flexible that is capable of moving to the front and flank, and
should later transform the impact of the fire to another form of activity. The integration of the
two activities-fire and maneuver-ensures the attacks main effort. Thus, the accompaniment of
uninterrupted fire and maneuver is a key factor to the preparation in order to unleash series and
destructive attack. Any offensive operation, especially our way of annihilative approach involves
continuous and effective maneuver and fire. Continuity of maneuver keeps the enemy in
disadvantageous position and effective fire support maneuver.

5. Reconstitute and maintain ones own pace

To apply series courses of attacks, reconstituting and assembling the forces available at hand on
each attack and transforming to the next stage is a very decisive task. After accomplishing one
mission of attack, the forces that participate in that mission should be divided and deployed
according to its promptness to the task. However, when we do this, we will face shortages of
manpower and material. After concluding this mission, before we proceed to the next, we have to
reconstitute ourselves and complete the shortages to have a complete formation.

The unit that started its mission with constant reconstitution eventually might face shortages of
manpower and material and the probability of disabling to push forward or to retreat is very high.
Due to such reason, it is impossible to unleash series course of attack. Thus, to unleash series
course of attack reconstitution is one of those principles of fighting by fulfilling and
concentrating forces. What do we mean when we say reconstitution? Reconstitution means the
empowerment of certain units that reiterate an attack on each stages of attack and prepare them
for next mission. This means evacuating the dead and the wounded to the rear; re-assembling
forces that deployed to different directions and re-organize and redeploy these forces in a way
prompt to the next mission; and provided ammunitions and bombs to replenish and re-back to
their former formation and mission. It should be noted this task should be taken as a principle of
battle that should be accomplished from the lowest-level unit up to the highest-level unit.
Reconstitute ensures clear division of efforts: assign enough reserve, develop contingency plan
and control combat effectiveness: replacement of retired forces and replenishment of materiel.

2.3.2 Indirect Laws of Military Science and Art

These indirect rules of our military science and art are the interfaces of a coin that are related and
inseparable. They are one part of the general directives. They are not distinct, irrelevant or
secondary to the direct rules. We only labeled them as indirect in order to show that they lacked
the characteristics of direct combat rules and from the necessity of exploring their unique
characteristics. The indirect rules, like the direct ones, have equal importance to determine the
fate of a battle. They determine the situation on equal terms or basis. They are the parts of a
single thought, directive, and scientific process.

Basically, without applying these indirect combat rules, it is impossible to use direct combat
rules. If attempts are made to apply them without indirect rules, they will be ineffective and
unsuccessful. Thus, the necessity of dividing our military science laws into two is only to explore
them according to their characteristics and sequence; and to specify and show which ones are
important to a certain task and which ones have decisive roles. It has to be clear that our
objective is not to indicate one rule is superior to the other or vice versa. Direct combat rules are
rules that govern combat rules directly whereas indirect combat rules are rules that govern
combat rules indirectly. To govern indirectly means creating favorable environment that is
prompt and enabled us to score victory effectively. With the absence of these rules, it is
impossible to apply the direct rules and to be effective in a battle. Due to such reason they govern
the course of the war/battle in indirect way. In other words, indirect rules are rules that play a
significant role in preparation for a war whereas direct rules are rules that play a decisive role in
executing a war/battle directly. They have equal role for the victory. Our indirect laws of military
science and art are explained as follows.

1. Applying a warfare that could assure the rights and national pride of the nation and
which uses the countrys resources to the fullest.

As it has been clearly stated in our military doctrine, the nature of the war that we are forced to
involve in would be a just war. The main objective of such war would be to ascertain peoples
equality, right and interest, to bring about sustainable peace and democracy as well. On the
contrary, the war that our enemies could wage against us would undoubtedly be unjust war.

The longstanding contradictions that had been deep rooted among the peoples of Ethiopia have
already been resolved through peoples struggle as a result of which, according to the 1995
Ethiopian Constitution, all nations, nationalities and peoples are entrusted with the right of self-
determination up to and including secession. The rights of all citizens have been secured and a
sustainable and reliable peace and stability have been prevailed in the country as a result of
which a research is being carried on so as to rescue the country from the present economic
quagmire.

An enabling democratic environment is also being created in which various political parties
solve their political differences and assumes political power through peaceful means from the
ballots rather than the barrel of the gun. Hence, if war is to break out it would undoubtedly
disrupt such favorable conditions, stability and rapid development in the country.

Any action that aimed to disrupt the ongoing peace and stability and that undermines peoples
rights and interests as well as which hampers the countrys development efforts will be labeled as
anti-peace and unjust war. Be it our internal or external adversaries, the type/nature of warfare
that they could wage against us will be the above mentioned ones. Apparently such type of war is
therefore contrary to the day to day interest of the oppressed people.

On the other hand, the nature of warfare that we could involve in self- defense with the aim of
averting the anti-development and unjust war will be genuine and just war. The fundamental and
basic characteristics are fulfilled so that the fruits that are being achieved through peoples
struggle can further be defended and retained and be reached in the final goal. In this regard, the
war that we are forced to engage in has to fulfill peoples interests, uphold the sovereignty of the
country and be held in an organized way, participatory and popular in nature.

In other words, it would be quite essential to facilitate a fertile ground so that the human and
materiel resources of the country will be allocated in development activities in peacetime and be
mobilized to support the war efforts in wartime without disrupting the ongoing economic
development in the country. So long as the war is being carried out by the people and is popular
and the victory is reliable, the war will be quite short with a shinning victory, in the same token,
we have to adhere strictly to a type of warfare in which it can shorten the war to a greater extent
with lightning victories so as to minimize the economic disruption and dire consequences of a
pro-longed war. By making a deliberate preparation in our mobile wartime clues, the nature of
the war will remain a dominant principle.

To apply the laws of our military science the following major principles of war have to put
into account.

a) Keeping the popular nature of the war and work to widen the army. The war could be just
in its nature and popular in performance if and only if it could be able to keep the
sovereignty of the country and uphold peoples rights. This can only be realized by
maintaining the popularity of the war and building an army with a popular attitude so as
to serve as a sharp-edge of its people. If the war is not being able to be just in its nature
and popular in performance, and if the major actors of the war, the army, fail to have
popular outlook and secure popular support, victory will not be reliable.

b) An awareness creation must also be done that the people are the most beneficiary from
the existing system as a result of long and bitter struggle. This cannot, however, be
 realized through agitation, that the people are beneficiary of the existing system, but the
real change that they acquired in their way of life must reveal the objective reality more
than anything else. But still an awareness creation must be performed among the broad
masses to fill proud and ownership of the existing system so that to be vigilant, standby
to defend the system from any possible threat and work hard for its successes as well.
People with such strong conviction and dedication will undoubtedly kneel down their
enemies with a shining victory.

Therefore, the populace will not only have the courage and strong conviction to confront
and win its adversaries but also will play a great role in deterring a possible war. By
implication the populace will be in a position of eliminating the root causes of any
possible war in advance.

c) The army is expected to have a good knowledge of the constitution so that it could be
obedient to it and able to stand firmly for its application. Having a good knowledge of the
constitution means be able to defend the constitution from threats that could be launched
from any anti-peace and anti- constitutional activities. Therefore, the armys obedience to
the constitution together with knowledge of the constitution enables to realize the already
stated military science effectively.

2. Building an armed force capable of performing both conventional and non

conventional warfare

It is indispensable to create an army capable of fighting and wining non conventional warfare.
Any attempt to fight non conventional warfare through conventional army would be a fatal
decision and suicidal. Our enemys first option to destabilize and hamper the ongoing economic
development and democratic order appears to be non conventional warfare. In this regard, our
enemies prepare to initiate and apply their war strategy in areas where they assume is suitable for
such type of warfare. In selecting suitable areas/terrain for their war strategy, non conventional
warfare, our opponents give due emphasis, inter alias, on the following main points.

They assume that the area is not easily accessible for government security forces.
They assume that the inhabitants of the area rally along their side and support their cause;
and
 They assure the selected area/terrain has access to some neighboring and other remote
foreign forces. In other words, an area which has an exit and entrance with other
countries

Areas that are assumed to meet the desired and the above mentioned criterias so as to perform
non conventional warfare are apparently found around the low lands and bushes of the country
somewhere in the periphery. Due to their proximity to the external world these areas are highly
exposed for various anti- peace factions. As most of the inhabitants in these areas are highly
marginalized and undermined minority nations and nationalities, there would be a room for a
religious fundamentalism to be appeared to a greater extent. The positions of the area for the said
purpose together with the long-standing oppression of the inhabitants, our opponents might
initiate their non conventional warfare from these areas.

A non conventional warfare that could be carried out from the above mentioned areas could only
be able to win by deploying a similar anti-non conventional troops rather than a conventional
army. Hence, the task of building an anti-non conventional force which could be capable of
fighting and winning the anticipated non conventional warfare in the future is quite crucial for
this is the fundamental tenet and initial of our rule.

It would also be crucial and mandatory to build a modern and conventional army with an
enormous efficiency and capability of fighting and winning a conventional warfare that could be
posed against us from both internal and external enemies in the future. It would be unthinkable to
win a conventional warfare by a non conventional warfare.

On the basis of the above mentioned conditions/premises it is possible to cite the content of army
building. In these regard, the army of our ministry of national defence should incorporate
(comprise) the following forces, but of course will function as one defense institution.

A) Commando force. This force is prepared as a major force for anti-non conventional
warfare. It has a capacity of winning a non conventional warfare that could be waged on
the country. Its performance as an anti-non conventional fighter will be proven if and
 only if it employs/uses the necessary non conventional war tactics and activities more
than its adversary, non conventional fighter. Given the superiority as a governments
force the reputation of fighting and winning can only be obtained by acquiring the
necessary capacity and capability as a non conventional warfare fighter.

The main task of the commando force will be hunting, fighting and winning the non
conventional warfare and finally emerging as victorious from the war. This doesnt,
however, necessarily mean that the Commando force will not accomplish any task while
the country restored to a conventional warfare. Hence, it will play great contribution by
rallying alongside the conventional army as anti-non conventional fighter. The
Commando is organized in such a way to have armament and personnel as well as
training and foundation /establishment in order to accomplish its mission. Accordingly,
the Commando force is organized in a regiment and the regiment is part of a division.
The regiment comprises 4 battalions and each battalion consists 4 companies while each
company consist 3 platoons. In terms of armament, it will have both individual and team
weapons. The tactics of the training will center on non conventional warfare and highly
focused on building physical fitness and building a true marksmanship. The training will
also create awareness among the trainees so as to live in harmony with the community so
that it could secure the support of the populace in both peace and wartime.

B) Professional force. This is the main component of the conventional warfare. The current
organization of our professional force is based on command. Under one command there
are infantry divisions including one mechanized division. Under one division there are
regiments including a mechanized regiment which is a standby force of the conventional
warfare we mean it is the main actor in the conventional army. It also functions as a pillar
in a unified and modern warfare.

The other force that must be found in a conventional army is obviously conventional
heavy infantry. This unit is an integral part of the conventional army that performs its
mission in collaboration with the mechanized regiment. The said unit, heavy infantry, is
entrusted with a task of destroying enemy mechanized regiment in collaboration with the
 friendly mechanized regiment. The above discussed major forces are being organized
under one division and leadership. Each regiment is expected to accomplish a separate
mission from the other. Accordingly, each regiment would also have a combat support, a
combat service and logistics supply organs.

C) Special supportive forces

In addition to the above-listed forces or units, our defence forces have special supportive
forces so as to defend the countrys sovereignty in both conventional and non
conventional warfare. These are:

Air force: A unified and modern force is inconceivable without a strong air force.
Although the present Ethiopians economy doesnt allow building a highly advanced and
modern air force, special attention must be given to the assurance of the efficiency and
capability of the existing Ethiopian air force. Therefore, it would be wise and timely to
start laying a foundation that enable army to own a strong and mighty air force.

Special force:- it is small in size but high in capability for special purpose and mission.
This special force demands much time and knowledge and a great deal of expenditure for
its establishment and training as well. But compared with air force the expenditure that is
needed to have / own / a special force is relatively small; and given the threats from our
adversaries in towns like in rural areas, such as terrorism, an efficient special force is
necessary to avert such challenges.

Thus, the unified and modern force that is needed to be existent in the future Ethiopia
will have the aforesaid fighting forces together with logistics various supportive staffs
and leadership organs.

Principles that we could adhere so as to realize our military science: building an army that
could fight both conventional and non conventional warfare
 a) Following establishment directions based on their similarity and difference

We have already seen that the army that we need to have comprises two main units i.e. the
ground force and air force. The defense institution that incorporates these forces is required to
have integrity within the institution. Each unit has its own task. For instance, the Commando is
the main force of anti-non conventional warfare while the mechanized is a striking force. The
countrys security can be secured if and only if each accomplishes its task effectively. Hence, the
composition of the army has a lot to do with the distinction of their task and military tactics of
the forces under discussion.

Their distinction and similarities has decisive role upon the outcome of army building process.
Great precautions must also be taken not to eliminate their unity and impose ones perception on
others in the name of enabling the forces to fulfill their missions in the process of army building.
On the contrary, special attention must also be given not to eliminate their special characteristics
in the name of keeping /maintaining/ their mission properly. In this regard, it would be of
paramount importance to strictly adhere and realize the principle that says the army building
process have to be based on their similarity and difference so as to achieve the desired quality
and keep balance as well.

b) Organize training on the basis of their mission accomplishment

Although a strong army doesnt necessarily emanates from a strong training, but the role of an
orderly and well deliberate strong training in army building is very high. The training is also
required to meet/ set some requirements so that the training will play a significant role in the
army building process. The training materials, manuals and methods of training must be prepared
in line with/ according to/ the countrys military doctrine and military science currently at work.
The training is also expected to mold and shape the trainees by instilling the necessary-military
doctrine and military art and science and must enable the army to grasp military techniques at the
desired level.

Moreover, such type of training has to be based on the task of each unit, and enable to
accomplish their respective mission. It must also concentrate in forging the necessary tactical,
technical and physical matters in line with the characteristics of the mission and mission
accomplishment so as to enable the army to perform task properly. Accordingly, by realizing the
principles regarding army building it would be essential to plan and give training to the
aforementioned units/forces on the basis of their respective nature and mission so as to have
strong and powerful army.
c) Broadening and maintaining the democratic nature of the army

The army has to be able to know the reason why and to whom it fights so that it could fight
effectively and heroically.
Because if the army is not able to know why it fights, it would neither achieve victory nor have a
fighting morale. Therefore broadening and maintaining the democratic nature of the army as well
as enabling it why it fights, not only enable the army to fight efficiently and heroically but it
would also play a significant role in making the war popular.

The main purpose why the army is being obliged to fight is to maintain and meet the goals of the
democratic political and economic purpose of the country. The army can stand firmly and fight
courageously if and only if it has popular and democratic nature.

1. Employing the two types of warfare: conventional and non conventional in

combination

It has repeatedly been stated that each of the rules/principles of our military science is being
interrelated and intermingled each other. The emphasis on these issues lies on the main essence
and their capacity based on the natural interconnection. If these inter-connections are not well
known and maintained, the said principles/rules will lose their capacity and essence and finally
diminished to an insignificant level.

One of the principles of our military science that answers the question what type of armed forces
should we has is, as already mentioned earlier, an army that could fight and win in both
conventional and non conventional warfare. Therefore, if non conventional warfare erupts the
vanguard in this theatre of war would be the Commando force. Even if the main actor in such
types of warfare is the Commando, there must be tactical maneuver by the conventional army, air
force and the Special Force so as to support and strengthen the Commando in the anti non
conventional warfare.
On the contrary, if the war were a war of aggression, conventional warfare, the main actor would
be the conventional army. But still a deliberate maneuver and attacks must be held/ performed in
the rear and in front of the main battlefield by both the Commando and Special Forces.

The principles of art that we have seen so far are useful to effectuate our rules properly. When
the principles of art that we have put/ stated clearly so far have got operational, it enables to react
for either type of warfare i.e. conventional and non conventional. The principle that particularly
concerns and need due emphasis to this rule is as follows.

Deploy the Armed forces based on their specific missions

When combat plans are being planned either for conventional or non conventional warfare, it
would be essential to give due emphasis in a way to be participatory. For instance, a combat plan
that would be designed to deal with a non conventional warfare in which case the main actor
would be Commando for the anti-non conventional mission, the task of the rest of the units has
to be clearly defined in accordance with their respective nature and mission. This principle would
have a great contribution in realizing the rule of army deployment and designing the combat or
operational plan.

2. Following a procedure to arrive on a right decision through strong discussion and

ensure committee leadership at all levels on the basis of democratic debates so as to
realize the fundamental rules of our military science consciously.

The war that we are obliged to engage would be a war which could ensure justice and realize the
objectives of democracy so that to ensure reliable and sustainable peace and development in the
country. As long as the populace is ratifying the constitution, the war that we are forced to
involve in order to protect the constitution would undoubtedly be just and popular in its nature.

The main actor of the war would be a force that strives to ensure self-determination and establish
a unified Ethiopia on the basis of justice equality and peoples interest. This force is being drawn
from the oppressed people and further strengthened through the participation of these people and
would be a popular force. Such type of force/ army has to put into practice the military art and
science which is/ was being designed to guide a just war so that the army would be able to fight
and win an unjust war. This issue has to be fulfilled in order to emerge victorious from the unjust
war.
The other fundamental and essential issue is the army that we desire to have is required to
establish a strong and unified Ethiopia on the basis of peoples interest, equality, justice and
democracy. It has to be recruited from all peoples, nations and nationalities in an inclusive
manner so that the army can truly reflect and protect peoples interest.
The army can just its popular nature and emerge victorious in any unjust war if it applies
committee leadership and able to arrive upon decision through debate and discussion, the army
would not able to maintain its popular nature, realize the military art and science and emerge
victoriously. Therefore, ensuring committee leadership and democratic performance are the main
key issues in security the armys internal democratic life and popular outlook.
The war is being held to attain the political objectives and protect the constitution from any
threat. Political objective cannot attain its target without the broad masses democratic and
political struggle. Even the unique approach, attaining the political goal through the barrel of the
gun, cannot achieve the desired goals without the broad masses democratic and political struggle.
Thus, in line with such reality, each issue has to be reached on decision only through lengthy
democratic debates of the populace so as affect our democratic goals.

Principle of arts to effectuate the laws

It is important to prepare detailed rules and regulations to ensure the armys day to day life,
interaction, decision- making and leadership on the basis of the armys broad and active
participation. In the absence of such rules and regulations the assumed struggle may pave a way
to unnecessary controversy within the army. It may also hinder to arrive at the right decisions
that enable the war to attain its goals and disabled the army to have an instruction as guidance so
as to forge a healthy and genuine interaction during peacetime.

Enabling the army to grasp the guiding and establishing instructions, military doctrine, military
science and art and the army establishment and regulations are being emanated from our Defence
Forces democratic nature and stands for their achievement. The army must have clear
understanding about the regulations and principles so as to realize the goals of the
democratization process in a well deliberate and responsible manner. Because if the army is
unfamiliar with the definitions and contents of the above principles and guiding regulations it
would neither be in a position to be guided by them nor intervene and arbitrate while they are in
dispute.
Especially, if the leadership at all levels were not well aware of the said guiding principles and
regulations, it would never arrive at democratic decision based on committee leadership.
Therefore, if we fail to do so or else forming a three four committee leadership members doesnt
necessarily mean everything is going on smoothly and democratically as was being assumed to
be done. In other words, the leadership in particular and the army in general is required to
understand and implement the guiding regulations and principles consciously.

Working for the prevalence of coordinated and inclusive leadership at all levels

Lets see this issue from two angels, first, when we try to asses this issue from the objective
reality it has its own historical background; we have to work to minimize the imbalance of the
leadership at all levels within a reasonable time. Second, special attention has to be given for the
composition of the armed forces. We need to recruit soldiers from all nations, nationalities and
peoples of the country, as far as they fulfill the minimum criteria. It is necessary to keep the
national composition of the armed forces and establish an inclusive and effective military
leadership at all levels.

Summary

To summarize so far explained, military science is a field of study that includes strategic &
tactical scientific laws, that enables to build and organize a combat force that enable to fight at
strategic & tactical level. On the other way, military art is a branch of this field of study that
formulates appropriate principles to the implementation of the laws at strategic and tactical
levels. Military art has a mission of implementing or changing to practical activity of the laws of
military science based on the already formulated principles. For each of the laws of military
science, there are specific principles and stated preconditions. These principles are always
improved by experience.

We have examined the essences, background and major important military arts of the direct rules
of our military science. These direct rules are our background and directives to win a war that we
have formulated to execute our strategic plan and to destroy our enemy on every battle that we
may encounter. We can only succeed in our mission when we apply these rules in addition with
other related methods. Therefore, knowing the rules, understand and teach other about these rules
determine the results of the war before we engaged into an actual war.

Direct combat rules are rules that govern combat rules directly whereas indirect combat rules are
rules that govern combat rules indirectly. To govern indirectly means creating favorable
environment that is prompt and enabled us to achieve victory effectively. With the absence of
these rules, it is impossible to apply the direct rules and to be effective in a battle. Due to such
reason they govern the course of the war/battle in indirect way. In other words, indirect rules are
rules that play a significant role in preparation for a war whereas direct rules are rules that play a
decisive role in executing a war/battle directly. They have equal role for the victory.