Close Combat - Tactical Doctrine

Tactical Doctrine

Close combat techniques have been taught for thousands of years by military formations as part of an overall tactical doctrine, both for offensive as well as defensive purposes. The bayonet charge is a typical example of a close combat technique incorporated as part of an offensive tactical concept.

Since World War I, the concept of close combat as an offensive tactical doctrine has evolved from the bayonet charge to more sophisticated concepts such as the use of elite shock forces, first popularized by the German Army through their use of stormtroop tactics.