Study of Combined Arms Warfare by Alexander the Great

摘要

This study reviews the battles and campaigns of Alexander the Great for his use of combined arms tactics. The study reviews the ancient world from the perspective of the Macedonia Empire along with the major personalities of its allies and rivals. After a short review of the early history of the territory and Macedonia's rise to regional power, the study chronologically reviews Alexander's campaign of consolidation, his campaign in Asia Minor, the eastern campaign against Persia, the Asiatic campaign, the Indian campaign, and the wars of the Diadochi. The study concludes by showing that the tactics of combined arms were utilized by Alexander the Great. It also demonstrates that Alexander successfully applied military doctrine and made significant development towards the evolution of warfare. His performance of executing tactical river crossings; conducting anti-guerrilla warfare; demonstrating the flexibility to operate in mountains, deserts, or cities; the ability to organize, train, re-arm, and maintain discipline within a large army; introducing the use of deception, skirmisher, mounted-infantry, and field artillery, to name a few, are presented as Alexander's key instruments to victory. Finally, these instruments to success are directly related to modern military operations.