Force multiplication

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Force multiplication is a military tactic that is supposed to visually magnify a force, such as a division or an army, through means using decoy vehicles or use of terrain to deceivingly create a much larger force than it really is. Force multiplication can also refer to special forces, where the special forces group would go into an area and train indigenous forces to work with them.

[edit] Uses

Force multiplication has been used throughout military history, but the most noted use of this tactic has been by the German Wehrmacht in North Africa during World War II.

The Wehrmacht patrol/light units (usually armoured jeeps) were installed with large fans on the back of them and blew the sand to form a smokescreen. When a few of these fan vehicles drove in the same direction, it created a speeding smokescreen that gave the Allied reconnaissance pilots the impression that what they were looking at was a large infantry or Panzer tank division, when it fact it was a much smaller force.

The second definition was used by the U.S. Special Forces (the Green Beret) in Vietnam; they would train local montagnards (mountain villagers) to fight along side them. In Afghanistan the same concept would be applied, but with larger numbers of indigenous troops.

[edit] Effects

The force multiplication tactic is intended to misdirect or supply bad information to enemy command posts, generally encouraging a tactical/strategic change within their forces to counter the new 'threat'.

Generally, the users (German Wehrmacht) of this tactic know what it is usually countered with (generally anti-tank units - Allied pilots gave information that they were Panzer divisions) and bring in infantry to eliminate the hapless anti-tank units.

Under the second definition, special forces would be able to lead a large number of troops within just a few weeks, while reducing casualties in Special Forces units.