Surprising Military Strategies You Might Not Know

War is that area in the history of human civilization that is not only a competition of strength and numbers, but also a test of creative thinking, quick decision-making ability and courage. From ancient times to the modern era, many military strategies have changed the course of history. These strategies are sometimes a symbol of deception, sometimes of innovation, and sometimes of bravery.

Today, we are going to learn about some surprising and astonishing military strategies. Let's get started.

Trojan Horse: A Symbol of Intelligence

The story of the Trojan Horse in Greek mythology tells us the power of strategy. Even in a long war against Troy, Greeks were unable to win the battle. Meanwhile, one of the Greek commanders Odysseus had brought a novel plan. Inside a huge wooden horse that he built, he secretly kept all the Greek soldiers. The Trojans accepted it as a victory gift.

They used such ingenuity during night, when soldiers went out of the horse and occupied the fort. This incident proves that direct attack is not always the best way. Sometimes deception and creativity can turn the tide of battle.

Learning Points

It proves that great victory can be made possible by intelligent planning without applying any direct force.

The Alps Campaign of Hannibal

One of the brilliant generals of Carthage, Hannibal Barca, marched with a powerful army and 37 war elephants into Italy through the  impossible and not safe route called the Alps, to take over Rome in 218 BC.

However, the Romans never expected that Hannibal would attack via such a risky route. The entire Roman defense was totally shattered and Hannibal entered the soil of Rome.

Example of Bravery

This incident proves that the courage to take great risks and the willingness to take new paths can make the impossible possible.

Unconventional strategy of Akbar

Mughal Emperor Akbar was known for his military intelligence. In one battle, he used a strange method to confuse the enemy. He released chickens and other animals towards the enemy. These animals created chaos on the battlefield. The enemy became confused, and at that time the Mughal army easily defeated them.

Example of Innovation

This strategy proves that unconventional thinking can sometimes be the key to victory.

Kamikaze: Symbol of Sacrifice

There is such strategy when Japanese pilots adopted to during their War of II period. The strategy includes conducting missions called a kamikaze, whereby their plane was made to collide into enemy ships.

The strategies created a lot of fears among the enemies while weakened their defenses. However bad it is, still makes one consider sacrifice at great lengths during the battle lines.

Operation Mincemeat: An Art of Deception

During World War II, the British Army executed an innovative strategy known as Operation Mincemeat. They put on false documents on a dead body and dropped it in the enemy territory. Due to these documents, the Nazi army planned wrongly and the Allied forces succeeded in their plan.

The Success of the Strategy

It displays that great victories are achievable if deception is done at the proper time.

Alexander's Phalanx Strategy

The phalanx strategy of world conqueror Alexander the Great was one of the greatest strengths of his army. The soldiers stood in a dense formation and used long spears to repel enemy attacks.

Effects

This strategy helped Alexander win several battles and made him one of the most outstanding commanding officers in history.

Russian Winter: The Power of Nature

Russia's harsh winters helped them defeat their enemies more than once. Napoleon Bonaparte and Hitler both suffered from this winter's fury during the invasion of Russia. The Russians used winter as a weapon to cut off enemy supplies.

Role of nature

This incident proves that victory in war is possible if the power of nature is used correctly.

Shaka Zulu's Horn Strategy

The great Zulu leader Shaka Zulu designed an innovative strategy known as the "Sings of the Buffalo". His army trapped the enemy in the middle and attacked all the sides.

Lessons Learnt

This strategy illustrates how coordinated planning and discipline make all the difference in battle.

Caliph Umar's Strategy

During the Caliph Umar's reign, Muslim forces employed innovative tactics to confuse the enemy on several occasions. In one battle, they spread sand over a large area to confuse the enemy and pretend to be a false attack.

Result

The enemy was confused and the Muslim forces easily defeated them.

D-Day Invasion Disorientation Strategy

The D-Day Invasion of World War II had Allied forces using fake tanks and army models to confuse the Nazi troops.

Outcome

This tactic weakened up the Nazi defenses and cleared a path for an Allied successful attack.

Use of Water and Food

The Spartans of ancient Greece weakened their enemies by cutting off their water and food supplies.

Results

This strategy had several successes in battles led the Sparta and crippled the morale of their competitors.

The Speed and Fear Tactics of the Mongols

Genghis Khan and his Mongol forces used a mixture of speed and fear in battle. They attacked the enemy with speed and created such fear that the enemy lost morale before they could fight.

example

This strategy helped establish the Mongol Empire as one of the largest empires in the world.

Conclusion

The history of war teaches us that strength or weapons alone cannot ensure victory in war. Great victories are possible with a combination of creative strategies, right decisions, and unique thinking. These amazing military strategies prove to us that there is a creative solution to every challenge.

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