Katrin Endrikat
Evolution of warfare in the war of the professionals
Warfare is defined as the use of physical force to settle disputes between organized groups. Fighting war ensures the use of weapons, strategy, logistics, training, and discipline, but also relies on political strategy. (from a dictionary)
In the 17th century the wealth from the Dutch enabled them to keep their forces under arms throughout the year. They paid their soldiers regularly they could make them do two things: dig (self-evident) and drill (fire power), which were very important activities in increasing power of defence. Sleeves of protective shot become normal in the 16th century. Musketeers were countermarching in their files and were able to always give fire continuously. This development gave control on the battlefield. Control of movement, control of fire and self-control were the successes in this century. All there was left to pay attention to was the discipline. This concept becomes an important part in the 17th century. In spite of the armies pay, the rate of desertion was high. The army received classes about self-control, Self-abnegation and submission to authority provided the necessary counterpart to the type of roman military models. Gustavus had great impact on the development of warfare in this century. He had provided a pattern for the conduct of war to which the states of Europe were to aspire with increasing success for the rest of the century. His long-serving soldiers were paid, clothed, armed and equipped by the crown and commanded by the monarch himself or his immediate lieutenants. Discipline was severe and enforced by courts martial. His army was able to move without the vast concourse of camp followers. On the battlefield they made their rate of fire and reloading so rapid that the depth of infantry formations could be reduced from ten deep to six or even less. Instead of practising the ineffective caracole they learned how to use the “arme blanche” in other words, how to charge with the sword in a disciplined mass. Gustavus especially focused on the problem of immobility.
