What is a commando strike?
A commando strike is a military operation that involves a small group of commandos conducting a surprise attack on a high-value target behind enemy lines. The target could be a strategic location, such as a military base, a radar station, or a nuclear facility; a key person, such as a leader, an officer, or a scientist; or a valuable asset, such as a weapon, a vehicle, or a document. The objective of a commando strike could be to destroy, capture, rescue, sabotage, or gather intelligence. A commando strike is usually planned and executed with speed, stealth, precision, and coordination.
How did commando strike evolve over time?
The concept of commando strike can be traced back to ancient times, when warriors from different cultures used guerrilla tactics to raid and harass their enemies. For example, the pankration was a form of unarmed combat practiced by the ancient Greeks and Romans that involved nearly all strikes and holds. The Spartans were known for their fierce and disciplined warriors who excelled in close combat. The Vikings were notorious for their swift and brutal raids on coastal settlements. The Mongols were masters of horseback warfare who conquered vast territories with their mobility and archery skills.
the US Marine Raiders, who fought in the Pacific theater; the German Brandenburgers, who infiltrated and sabotaged enemy lines; and the Japanese Kamikaze, who sacrificed themselves in suicide attacks.
After World War II, commando strike continued to play a vital role in various conflicts and missions around the world. Some of the most notable examples are the Israeli raid on Entebbe in 1976, which rescued hostages from a hijacked plane in Uganda; the Iranian Embassy siege in 1980, which was ended by the British SAS storming the building in London; the Operation Neptune Spear in 2011, which killed Osama bin Laden in Pakistan; and the Operation Kayla Mueller in 2019, which killed Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in Syria.
Examples and Benefits of Commando Strike
How is commando strike used in different scenarios?
Commando strike can be used for various purposes and situations, depending on the nature and objectives of the operation. Some of the common scenarios are:
Scenario
Description
Example
Raid
A short and sudden attack on a specific target to achieve a limited objective.
The US Delta Force raid on Son Tay prison camp in 1970, which attempted to rescue American POWs from North Vietnam.
Reconnaissance
A stealthy observation or exploration of an area to gather information or intelligence.
The British SAS patrol Bravo Two Zero in 1991, which conducted a long-range reconnaissance mission behind Iraqi lines during the Gulf War.
Sabotage
A deliberate act of destruction or disruption of an enemy's resources or infrastructure.
The Norwegian SOE operation Gunnerside in 1943, which destroyed a heavy water plant in Norway that was crucial for Nazi Germany's nuclear program.
Rescue
A mission to free hostages or prisoners from captivity or danger.
The Canadian JTF2 operation Anaconda in 2002, which rescued an American soldier who was captured by the Taliban in Afghanistan.
Assassination
A covert killing of a high-profile or high-value target.
The Mossad operation Wrath of God in 1972-1979, which hunted down and killed the perpetrators of the Munich massacre of Israeli athletes.
Commando strike can offer several benefits for both the attackers and the defenders, depending on the situation and the outcome. Some of the possible benefits are:
For the attackers, commando strike can:
Achieve a strategic or tactical objective with minimal resources and casualties.
Inflict damage, disruption, or demoralization on the enemy.
Gather valuable information or intelligence from the target.
Demonstrate their capabilities, resolve, or credibility.
Inspire or support their allies or sympathizers.
For the defenders, commando strike can:
Prevent or deter further attacks by eliminating or capturing the commandos.
Learn from the attack and improve their security or countermeasures.
Expose or exploit the weaknesses or vulnerabilities of the attackers.
Rally their forces, allies, or public opinion against the attackers.
Negotiate or cooperate with the attackers for a peaceful resolution.
What are the challenges and risks of commando strike?
Commando strike is not without its challenges and risks, both for the attackers and the defenders. Some of the common challenges and risks are:
For the attackers, commando strike can:
Fail to achieve the desired objective due to poor planning, execution, or luck.
Suffer heavy losses or casualties due to enemy resistance, counterattack, or capture.
Face legal, ethical, or moral consequences for their actions.
Provoke a stronger or harsher response from the enemy.
Lose public support or legitimacy for their cause.
For the defenders, commando strike can:
Lose a strategic or tactical asset or advantage due to the attack.
Suffer damage, disruption, or demoralization due to the attack.
Lack sufficient information or intelligence to prevent or respond to the attack.
Erode their credibility, authority, or reputation due to the attack.
Escalate or prolong the conflict with the attackers.
How do commandos plan and execute a commando strike?
The planning and execution of a commando strike involves several steps and factors, such as:
Identifying and analyzing the target, its location, its defenses, its value, and its vulnerabilities.
Choosing and training the commandos, their roles, their skills, and their equipment.
Designing and rehearsing the plan, the route, the timing, the contingency, and the extraction.
Coordinating and synchronizing with other forces, allies, or assets that may support or affect the operation.
Launching and conducting the attack, using surprise, speed, stealth, precision, and coordination.
Evaluating and reporting the results, the lessons learned, and the follow-up actions.
What are the key skills and equipment for commando strike?
The commandos need to have a variety of skills and equipment to perform a successful commando strike. Some of the key skills and equipment are:
Skills:
Physical fitness, endurance, agility, and resilience.
Mental toughness, discipline, adaptability, and creativity.
Combat skills, such as shooting, hand-to-hand fighting, explosives, and tactics.
Stealth skills, such as camouflage, infiltration, evasion, and escape.
Survival skills, such as navigation, first aid, food, and water.
Technical skills, such as communication, hacking, lock picking, and demolition.
Language skills, such as speaking, reading, writing, and interpreting.
Cultural skills, such as understanding customs, norms, values, and behaviors.
Equipment:
Weapons: such as pistols, rifles, knives, grenades, and mines.
Ammunition: such as bullets, magazines, clips, and belts.
Clothing: such as uniforms, helmets, vests, boots, and gloves.
Gear: such as backpacks, pouches, belts, holsters, and slings.
compasses, watches, flashlights, and knives.
Devices: such as radios, phones, laptops, cameras, and GPS.
Accessories: such as ropes, wires, hooks, ladders, and parachutes.
Supplies: such as food, water, medicine, and batteries.
How do commandos coordinate and communicate with each other and their allies?
Coordination and communication are essential for commando strike, as they enable the commandos to work together effectively and efficiently. Some of the ways that commandos coordinate and communicate are:
Using a common language, code, or sign system to exchange information or instructions.
Using a secure and reliable communication channel or device to transmit or receive messages or signals.
Using a clear and concise communication style or format to avoid confusion or misunderstanding.
Using a backup or alternative communication plan or method in case of failure or interference.
Using a feedback or confirmation mechanism to ensure that the communication is received and understood.
Conclusion
In conclusion, commando strike is a specialized form of combat that involves elite soldiers carrying out raids and operating behind enemy lines. It has a long and rich history, dating back to ancient times. It can be used for various purposes and situations, depending on the nature and objectives of the operation. It can offer several benefits for both the attackers and the defenders, depending on the situation and the outcome. However, it also poses several challenges and risks for both sides, depending on the planning, execution, and luck. It requires a high level of skills and equipment for the commandos to perform successfully. It also requires a high level of coordination and communication among the commandos and their allies to work together effectively.
If you are interested in learning more about commando strike, you can check out some of these resources:
[Commando: The History of Special Forces in World War II] by James Dunning
[The Commando Pocket Manual: 1940-1945] by Christopher Westhorp
[Commando: Winning World War II Behind Enemy Lines] by James Owen
[Commando Operations: The New Face of War] by Leroy Thompson
[Commando Mindset: 12 Principles for Elite Performance in Life] by Ben Williams
FAQs
Q1: How do commandos train for commando strike?
A1: Commandos train for commando strike by undergoing rigorous physical, mental, and technical training programs that prepare them for various scenarios and challenges. They also practice their skills and tactics in realistic simulations and exercises that test their abilities and performance. They also learn from their experiences and feedback from their instructors and peers.
Q2: How do commandos deal with countermeasures and resistance from the enemy?
A2: Commandos deal with countermeasures and resistance from the enemy by using their skills, equipment, and coordination to overcome or avoid them. They also use their creativity, adaptability, and resilience to improvise or adjust their plan or actions according to the situation. They also use their discipline, courage, and determination to persist or retreat as needed.
Q3: How do commandos balance speed, stealth, and firepower in a commando strike?
synchronization, and coordination to optimize their speed, stealth, and firepower. They also use their judgment, experience, and intuition to balance the trade-offs and risks of each factor.
Q4: How do commandos adapt to different environments and situations in a commando strike?
A4: Commandos adapt to different environments and situations in a commando strike by using their skills, equipment, and coordination to suit the conditions and circumstances. They also use their knowledge, research, and intelligence to understand and anticipate the factors and variables that may affect the operation. They also use their flexibility, versatility, and resourcefulness to cope with changes and surprises that may occur.
Q5: How do commandos measure the success and impact of a commando strike?
A5: Commandos measure the success and impact of a commando strike by comparing the actual results with the expected outcomes and objectives. They also evaluate the costs and benefits of the operation, such as the resources used, the casualties suffered, the damage inflicted, and the information gained. They also assess the short-term and long-term effects of the operation, such as the tactical or strategic implications, the psychological or political consequences, and the ethical or moral implications.
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