A
Military defeat is the ultimate acceptance of cessation of
combatCombat, or fighting, is purposeful violent conflict intended to establish dominance over the opposition.The term "combat" typically refers to armed conflict between military forces in warfare, whereas the more general term "fighting" can refer to any violent conflict...
by an armed force brought on through exhaustion of the troops, complete loss of cohesion, lack of
weaponA weapon is a tool used to apply force for the purpose of hunting, attack, self-defense, or defense in combat.Weapons can be as simple as a club, or as complex as an intercontinental ballistic missile, and include those that damage individual or group morale.-Prehistoric weapons:Very simple weapon...
s and equipment, significant interruption of
logistic supportMilitary logistics is the art and science of planning and carrying out the movement and maintenance of military forces. In its most comprehensive sense, it is those aspects or military operations that deal with:...
or loss of effective
military commandMilitary command is the principle of the exercise of authority in a military, naval or air force context. The exercise of command is normally articulated in the legal framework which embodies the force concerned....
. It is usually followed by a
surrenderSurrender is when soldiers, nations or other combatants stop fighting and eventually become prisoners of war, either as individuals or when ordered to by their officers. A white flag is a common symbol of surrender, as is the gesture of raising one's hands empty and open above one's head.When the...
of forces to the victorious enemy. Military defeats can be tactical, operational or strategic, though all can be partial within the scope of a larger
warWar is a reciprocated, armed conflict, between two or more non-congruous entities, aimed at reorganising a subjectively designed, geo-politically desired result...
.
Discussion
Ask a question about 'Military defeat' Start a new discussion about 'Military defeat' Answer questions from other users |
A
Military defeat is the ultimate acceptance of cessation of
combatCombat, or fighting, is purposeful violent conflict intended to establish dominance over the opposition.The term "combat" typically refers to armed conflict between military forces in warfare, whereas the more general term "fighting" can refer to any violent conflict...
by an armed force brought on through exhaustion of the troops, complete loss of cohesion, lack of
weaponA weapon is a tool used to apply force for the purpose of hunting, attack, self-defense, or defense in combat.Weapons can be as simple as a club, or as complex as an intercontinental ballistic missile, and include those that damage individual or group morale.-Prehistoric weapons:Very simple weapon...
s and equipment, significant interruption of
logistic supportMilitary logistics is the art and science of planning and carrying out the movement and maintenance of military forces. In its most comprehensive sense, it is those aspects or military operations that deal with:...
or loss of effective
military commandMilitary command is the principle of the exercise of authority in a military, naval or air force context. The exercise of command is normally articulated in the legal framework which embodies the force concerned....
. It is usually followed by a
surrenderSurrender is when soldiers, nations or other combatants stop fighting and eventually become prisoners of war, either as individuals or when ordered to by their officers. A white flag is a common symbol of surrender, as is the gesture of raising one's hands empty and open above one's head.When the...
of forces to the victorious enemy. Military defeats can be tactical, operational or strategic, though all can be partial within the scope of a larger
warWar is a reciprocated, armed conflict, between two or more non-congruous entities, aimed at reorganising a subjectively designed, geo-politically desired result...
. Only a defeat in war can be considered decisive because it brings the conflict to an end. Military defeat renders those who surrender
military prisonersA prisoner of war or enemy prisoner of war is a combatant who is held in continuing custody by an enemy power during or immediately after an armed conflict...
. A defeat in which most of the troops of a given force become prisoners, or most of their equipment is destroyed as a result of combat, or captured by the enemy, is often considered a catastrophic defeat.