Back in the day, war generals would fight side by side with their troops on the battlefield. Why does that no longer happen anymore?
In: Other
1. It is much easier to kill generals and officers with modern weapons than it did centuries ago. For example, in WW2 Soviet general Ivan Chernyakhovsky was killed by artillery fire while inspecting the front. Prior to wide spread use of firearms a commander could be protected by bodyguards and armor. Even when firearms were widely available many didn’t have the range or precision to hit generals on the field until like the mid to late 1800s.
2. War has gotten more complex as time has gone on. A general and his staff have to coordinate many other formations over a wider frontline than in previous centuries. One division of soldiers (roughly 10,000 men) in the US army is expected to hold a frontline of around 25 miles. This means a lot of substituent formations have to conduct their own maneuvers and objectives planned by the general and his staff. You can delegate lower ranking officers like lieutenants, captains, majors, and colonels to local areas of fighting.
3. Technology has allowed for generals to get more real time updates on the fighting without being on the immediate frontline of the enemy.
Latest Answers