Eli5 why are combat units “ineffective” after taking 15% losses?
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Military Officer here:
Combat units are structured in such a way that the entire command structure can be supported on the backup’s backup taking over in the event that the primary leader is killed. For instance, in a squad made up of two fire teams (just as an example, there can be more) Each fire team has a designated leader in charge of moment-moment tactical decisions. However, there is also a central leader designated to be in charge of the entire squad. These positions are generally held by NCOs. In the event that the squad leader is killed, doctrine may dictate that the leader of fire team 2 becomes the new leader for the entire squad. This a simplified view for demonstration.
Combat units can only take so many of these losses before tactical (Tactical being the lowest OPCON level) control is lost. The role of officers (especially FGOs) is operational level bigger picture decision making. But none of these decisions are effective without front line leaders being able to translate command decision into actions.
The long and short of it is that 15% losses entails a level of loss contrary to total control of combat forces and drastically reduces the ability of any individual unit to purposefully complete objectives and to respond to changes in the battlefield.
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