“Pursue one great decisive aim with force and determination.” ―
On the heels of an amazing Gamer Nation Con, I’m pleased to see we are already on post five of this new series. In the first post of this series, I covered the basic differences between tactics and strategy. Today, I’ll drill deeper into this area by looking at the concept of schwerpunkt at an introductory level. Don’t let my throwing around of German terms and Clausewitz quotes put you off, this is actually quite an intuitive idea!
Schwerpunkt – “Main Emphasis”
Schwerpunkt means main focus or main emphasis. Originally, pursuit of the schwerpunkt meant a way to destroy the enemy’s army and ensure the imposition of war aims. This can mean decisive battle in the field, but can apply more broadly: a politically unstable enemy’s army, according to Clausewitz, can effectively be destroyed by seizing their capital and shattering an already weak system of command and control. This concept has evolved in use since then, and has gotten a bit tied up into Centre of Gravity Analysis (something for later…), but that can all be set aside for right now. I’ll leave the historical analysis of the route of the concept as an exercise for particularly keen readers.
Simply put, schwerpunkt is the focal point of effort. This is the point where tactical success can be converted into strategic momentum, so it is the point where the majority of your resources should be allocated. Prioritization and resources of tactical actions should be allocated to the point at which the most decisively favourable result, in support of the strategic objective, can be achieved. One foregoes the attempt to be strong everywhere in order to focus on being strong where it counts. Even a weaker force can defeat a much larger one by achieving local superiority at the right place and time.
A schwerpunkt can take many forms depending on the nature of the game you are playing and the strategy you are employing to win. The most common idea is to apply your own strength against your opponent’s weakness. Perhaps applying equally to baseball as it does to warfare, Willie Keeler’s words to, “Hit ’em where they ain’t” encapsulates the idea. Another important point to remember is that, while there can only ever be one schwerpunkt at any one time, the schwerpunkt can and should shift as the situation changes.
Explanatory Example: Rebel Defense in Depth (Star Wars Rebellion)
Once again, I return to the tried and true example of Star Wars Rebellion. Let’s set up the scene a bit: assume that the Rebels want to retain Corellia, the Empire seeks to seize it (ignoring Tarkin there for our purposes), and that the Rebels have a reasonably strong force adjacent to both Corellia and Sullust—sitting on Cato Neimodia for those keeping track. Assume it is time for a Rebel activation.
Should they reinforce Corellia or attack Sullust? Both the astrophysical terrain and the Empire’s advantageous capabilities come into play. The former restricts the latter, as Bespin’s non-connection to Corellia complicates the massing of both fleets for the type of decisive battle in which the Empire excels.
Of course, there are many details missing from this abstract example, but based on the scene I’ve set my suggestion to you is the destruction of the Imperial fleet above Sullust is the current Rebel schwerpunkt. The often outgunned Rebels excel in smaller engagements where they can eliminate expensive Imperial units one by one, and the Rebel strategic objective (which can be accomplished by merely surviving) favours them over the length of the game.
All things being equal, my counsel would be to attack Sullust with forces from both Cato Neimodia and Corellia. Aim to destroy the ISD and prepare a speed-bump for the Bespin Imperial forces. Deprived of a chance to mass their forces, the Imperial player may forego the use of their valuable SSD. Even if the Empire does press into Sullust, this still buys a fighting chance at delay for Rebel reinforcements or an evacuation.
Conclusion and Homework
This has been a brief introduction to a term and concept steeped in history and analysis. For homework, think about the link between strategy and tactics, and how your schwerpunkt can serve to join the two. Share examples in the comments below.
Next time, I’ll tackle how to observe and learn lessons from past victories and defeats. We’ll discuss the concept of an After Action Review and take a look at that applied to my experiences at our very own most recent Gamer Nation Con.
Until then, class dismissed!
Christopher Hunt
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