What is, in your mind, the most important thing on the modern battlefield?

[Tank50us]

It's a simple question, with a fairly complex answer, and one that many people for a long time have argued over. But for me, the most important thing on the battlefield is the humble infantry. Sure, being a guy with an M16 isn't the most glamorous job, you can be snuffed out of existence with the push of a button, and the living conditions suck.... but someone has to plant the flag on that hill, and the guys in the Vipers aren't gonna be the ones to do it!

Edited January 27, 2022 by Tank50us

[Fairey Gannet]

Interesting question. I would say, that regardless of age and tech level, information would be the most essential power. That is one of few shared qualities between modern 5th gen fighter, chariot dating back to the Battle of Kadesh and the battery of 75 mm Schneiders. Every branch has its role to fill, and the nature of operation will affect dominant strategy of using them. Rarely you can use them interchangeably - cruise missile won't make artillery obsolete, as well as air power won't cancel out navy nor armour. There were ideas stressing various aspects of military more than others, Douhet can serve as an example of failure here. I guess military branches are tools, and (modern) battlefield is complex problem to solve and fix. Sure, depending on problem you will use this or that more, but it is not a reason to throw away the rest. Next puzzle to solve will probably need something else. Regardless, you probably want to know stuff, so I would lean to information.

[Kilo]

EW support. All is useless if the enemy can communicate, coordinate, properly react and possibly find out where you are.

And that is useless if you don't have anything to shoot back, too.

Edited January 28, 2022 by Kilo

[sirrah]

This poll is like asking:

 

"What's your most vital organ to stay alive?"

• Heart
• Lung(s)
• Brain
• Liver
• Kidney(s)
• Stomach

 

[MiG21bisFishbedL]

Pizza.

[sirrah]

1 hour ago, MiG21bisFishbedL said:

Pizza.

That's why I don't make polls. I always forget the most vital option... 

[Raven (Elysian Angel)]

As far as I understand, intelligence and situational awareness. In short, INFORMATION is what's paramount.