Rapier or the Club: The Relationship between Attrition and Maneuver Warfare

摘要

If wars of attrition are generally more costly than wars of maneuver, why do modern wars so often become wars of attrition. This project compares the relationship between attrition and maneuver warfare. The study considers whether there are times when wars of attrition should be fought, and whether there are conditions that force wars of attrition. The project employs two case studies to better understand the relationship and the risks of attempting to impose maneuver warfare when the conditions that favor attrition exist. Both the American Civil War and World War I provide good examples of the ability of durable armies to sustain losses until national resources are completely exhausted. The results of the study indicate four major reasons exist to explain why wars of attrition are common and are sometimes the preferred form of war despite the costs involved. A better understanding of the relationship between wars of attrition and maneuver provides the professional officer with a wider range of options while developing and executing operations. Additionally, leaders must realize that the cost of returning to maneuver warfare may be greater than continuing to fight with an attrition-based strategy.