Tactics VERSUS Strategies

Tactics refer to the specific, immediate actions and techniques employed by operatives to achieve short-term objectives, often reactive and adaptable to the situation at hand. In contrast, strategy encompasses a more comprehensive and extended approach, aiming to fulfill broader goals that guide the entire mission.

While tactics address the ‘how’ of individual steps, strategy deals with the ‘why’ and ‘what’ of the overall operational vision. Tactics aren’t “better” or “worse” than strategies but both should be utilized for optimal results.

          Understanding the Difference Through Covert Operations

In the complex world of covert operations, the distinction between tactics and strategy is significant, yet often misunderstood. Tactics are the specific methods or techniques used in the moment to achieve an immediate goal. They are the individual steps, adaptable and reactive, tailored to suit the dynamic environment of a field operation.

For instance, an operative might use a tactic such as blending into a crowd to evade immediate detection by adversaries. This tactic is specific, immediate, and situational. On the other hand, strategy is the overarching plan or approach, designed to achieve a long-term goal. It’s the blueprint that guides the overall mission, encompassing multiple tactics.

In the case of covert operations, a strategy could involve establishing a network of informants over months to infiltrate an organization. Here, the strategy is broader, encompassing various tactics like recruitment, communication, and intelligence gathering over an extended period.

          Tactics and Strategy in the Field

          The Symbiosis of Tactics and Strategies

While tactics and strategies might seem at odds, they are inherently interconnected in the field of covert operations. The success of a strategy often hinges on the effective execution of tactics, and conversely, tactics are most effective when they are part of a well-planned strategy.

One cannot exist without the other. For instance, the strategic goal of destabilizing a hostile foreign regime relies on tactical actions like sabotage, psychological operations, and alliance-building. Each tactical decision feeds into the broader strategy, moving the needle towards the desired end state.

For operatives, understanding and mastering this symbiosis is not just a skill but a necessity for operational excellence and mission accomplishment.