Operation line
Line of operations is a term used in combat management . It is primarily used to denote the axis of the armed forces' supply lines. In addition, the term is also used as a designation for the axis of movement of troops. If movement or supply is dependent on a single existing traffic route, the operation line runs along these routes. Since there are usually several routes available, the line of operations is usually an imaginary line that cannot be fixed on maps. The starting point of the line of operations is the base of operations . From there it extends, possibly over several intermediate points at which supply stores , depots or magazines are located, to the current location of the armed forces. Armed forces can have multiple lines of operations at the same time.
The term was probably coined by Henry Lloyd in the second half of the 18th century and dominated strategic and tactical thinking at least until the First World War . Since armies are attached to their line of operations like the embryo to the umbilical cord, their existence depends on the uninterrupted and uninterrupted maintenance of this line. Threatening the enemy's line of operations was therefore a primary objective of the tactic . Their protection was essential to most movements and marches. It was considered a high art to threaten or attack the opposing line of operations without exposing one's own.
See also
literature
- Werner Hahlweg (Ed.): Classics of the art of war. Darmstadt 1960