Intelligence Briefs

Lore & Background

The source establishes that terms like 'Cantonment' describe temporary or semi-permanent quarters, while in South Asia they denote permanent stations. It defines 'Military genius' as Clausewitz's attempt to identify characteristics of successful commanders. Intelligence operations are categorized into Signals (SIGINT), Electronic (ELINT), Communications (COMINT), Human (HUMINT), Imagery (IMINT), and Measurement/Signature (MASINT) intelligence, with Open-source (OSINT) also listed. High-frequency direction finding is noted by its nickname 'huff-duff,' employed especially during the two world wars. Doctrinal terms include various alert states such as DEFCON, COGCON, LERTCON, EMERGCON, INFOCON, REDCON, and FPCON. The text describes tactical maneuvers like 'Ambush' (surprise attack from a concealed position), 'Charge' (large force engaging in close quarters), 'Flanking maneuver' (attacking from the side), and 'Pincer maneuver.' It also defines 'Camouflet' as a term adapted to describe modern versions of old techniques.

In Their Own Story

The source describes land warfare dynamics where 'No man's land' refers to disputed areas or land too dangerous to occupy due to fear, uncertainty, or tactical considerations. General Pershing's Allied Expeditionary Force used this term for the deadly ground separating opposing fronts. A 'Blockade' involves naval vessels surrounding a port or nation to halt goods movement. 'Scorched earth' is defined as the deliberate destruction of resources to deny enemy use. The text outlines the concept of a 'Breach' in fortified lines and a 'Breakout' where a division-sized force exploits it. 'Forlorn hope' describes soldiers chosen for high-risk leading roles in assaults. A 'Pyrrhic victory' is an overwhelming win paid for so dearly it could lead to later defeat, described as 'a battle won, a war lost.' The term 'Coup de grâce' refers to a death blow ending suffering or scuttling damaged friendly ships. 'Hors de combat' denotes units out of the fight due to surrender or incapacitation.

Reader's Guide

The source provides definitions for various military formations and movements. A 'Column' is a formation where files are significantly longer than ranks. An 'Echelon formation' arranges members diagonally. A 'Chalk' is a group of paratroopers deploying from one aircraft, corresponding to platoon or company-sized units, sometimes called a 'stick.' 'Defilade' protects a unit from direct fire, while 'Enfilade' occurs when enemy fire travels along the unit's long axis (e.g., down a trench). 'Salients' are bulges in battle lines, with the facing line called a 're-entrant.' 'Pickets' serve as sentries for early warning. 'DUSTOFF' is the traditional call sign for US Army Air Ambulance MEDEVAC operations. The text notes that 'Mikes' is vernacular for minutes (e.g., ready in X-Mikes). 'Fabian strategy' avoids pitched battles to wear down the enemy through attrition.

Did You Know?

• High-frequency direction finding employed during the two world wars was commonly nicknamed 'huff-duff'.
• 'Chequered retreat' (retraite en échiquier) describes a line or battalion alternately retreating and facing about in an enemy's presence.
• A 'Chalk' of paratroopers can consist of up to a company-plus-sized unit for air transport operations.
• 'DUSTOFF' is the traditional call sign specifically for US Army Air Ambulance helicopter MEDEVAC operations.
• The term 'Cantonment' describes permanent military stations in South Asia, whereas elsewhere it often implies temporary quarters.