Introduction

While the terms strategy, tactics, and techniques are often used interchangeably in everyday language, they possess distinct meanings, particularly in fields such as military operations, business, and sports. This article aims to clarify these definitions and their interrelation through an exploration of their core characteristics, examples, and integration within the context of US Army Doctrine.

Understanding Strategy

Definition: A strategy is a high-level plan designed to achieve long-term goals or objectives. It encapsulates the overarching vision and direction of an organization or initiative.

Characteristics: Broad and comprehensive in nature. Focused on high-level objectives and goals. Involves resource allocation and prioritization. Typically spans a longer time frame, often years.

Exploring Tactics

Definition: Tactics are the specific actions or steps taken to implement a strategy. They are the means by which a strategy is executed.

Characteristics: More focused and detailed than strategy. Addresses immediate or short to medium-term objectives. Can be adjusted more frequently based on circumstances.

Deciphering Techniques

Definition: Techniques are the specific methods or procedures used to accomplish a particular task within a tactic. They are the tools or skills employed in executing tactics.

Characteristics: Highly specific and detailed. Concerned with the step-by-step execution of tasks. Involves practical skills and knowledge. Can be used across various tactics and strategies.

Examples of Strategy, Tactics, and Techniques

Example: Market Leadership Strategy
A company aims to become the market leader in eco-friendly products over the next five years. This vision is the strategy.

Tactics:
The company decides to launch a new product line, enhance marketing efforts, and form partnerships with environmental organizations. These are the actionable steps taken to achieve the broader strategy.

Techniques:
The marketing team uses social media campaigns, influencer collaborations, and content marketing to promote the new product line. These are the specific methods employed within the marketing tactics.

Incorporating TTPs into Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures

Tactics: The employment and ordered arrangement of forces in relation to each other, such as what formations they are placed in or arrayed. Example: Placing troops in a line for a rapid advance.

Techniques: Non-prescriptive ways or methods used to perform missions, functions, or tasks. They convey the lessons learned that units gain in operations. Example: Using guerrilla tactics during a surprise attack.

Procedures: Standard detailed steps that prescribe how to perform specific tasks. They normally consist of a series of steps in a set order and are prescriptive, regardless of circumstances. Example: Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for a fireteam in clearing a building.

Understanding the US Army Doctrine of Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs)

TTPs: Part of the Doctrine of Operations for the US Army, encompassing the integration of tactics, techniques, and procedures.

Example: Tactics: How to employ forces, such as formation and array of troops. Techniques: Methods to accomplish a task, which can vary person to person. Procedures: Official definitions like Tactical SOPs, Field SOPs, and Standard SOPs, which are detailed and prescriptive.

Conclusion

In summary, strategy is about the big picture, tactics are the actionable steps to implement that vision, and techniques are the specific methods used to carry out those actions. Understanding the distinctions and integration of these elements is crucial for effective planning and execution in various fields, including business, military operations, and sports.