Combined-Arms Warfare

Combined-arms warfare is the coordinated employment of different combat arms and supporting capabilities so that they operate as one force rather than as separate elements. Its core operational principle is complementarity: each capability protects another's vulnerabilities and creates conditions in which another can produce the decisive effect.

Core operational principle

The aim is not merely to place infantry, armour and artillery together. Their actions are synchronised in time and space so that the enemy's response to one threat exposes it to another, creating multiple, mutually reinforcing dilemmas.

• Infantry can protect armour in restricted terrain, while armour provides infantry with mobility, protection and direct firepower.
• Artillery and air-delivered fires can suppress or disrupt enemy positions, enabling manoeuvre forces to close with them.
• Engineers facilitate mobility for friendly forces and restrict enemy movement through obstacles and demolitions.
• Air defence, intelligence, surveillance, electronic warfare and logistics preserve the force's freedom to operate.

How it produces combat effectiveness

Combined arms links manoeuvre, firepower, protection and information into a coherent operation. Commanders sequence or apply these capabilities simultaneously according to terrain, mission and enemy disposition.

• Concentration of effects is more important than simply concentrating platforms or personnel.
• Decentralised execution allows subordinate formations to exploit fleeting opportunities within the commander's intent.
• Reliable communications, common situational awareness and sustained logistics are essential for coordination and operational tempo.

Combined arms and joint operations

Combined arms primarily concerns integration among different arms and capabilities within a fighting force. Joint operations integrate capabilities of two or more armed services; joint air, land and maritime support can strengthen a combined-arms plan, but the two concepts are not identical.