Salvo (Military Tactic)

Simple History
19 Aug 201908:21
EducationalLearning
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TLDRThe video script delves into the military tactic of the salvo, a strategy used from the 15th to the 20th century, involving the simultaneous firing of multiple guns to maximize firepower in one coordinated attack. This tactic was pivotal in both naval and field artillery warfare, allowing for concentrated fire against enemy ships or fortifications. The development of battleships and advancements in artillery led to the salvo's peak effectiveness, with variations like broadside, half salvo, and bracket salvo enhancing its utility. However, with the advent of cruise missiles and long-range weaponry post-World War II, the salvo's prominence waned. Today, it's mostly a ceremonial display of might, but its historical significance is preserved in games like World of Warships, where players can experience the strategy through commanding iconic warships and adapting tactics in dynamic combat scenarios.

Takeaways
  • ๐Ÿ’ฅ A salvo is the simultaneous firing of several guns to maximize firepower at once, as opposed to individual fire.
  • ๐Ÿšข The salvo tactic has been used in naval warfare since the 15th century, aiming to overwhelm the enemy with a single, powerful blow.
  • ๐Ÿ” Salvos are easier to spot for range finding than individual shots, as their splashes are seen together rather than separately.
  • ๐Ÿ›ก Battleships in the 19th and 20th centuries symbolized naval power, with multiple turrets allowing for concentrated fire in various directions.
  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ The broadside, half salvo, split salvo, double salvo, and bracket Southall or zigzag salvo are various types of salvo tactics used to maximize effect.
  • ๐Ÿฐ Salvos were not only effective against enemy ships but also coastal fortifications, offering intense firepower.
  • ๐Ÿคบ Field artillery also used the salvo tactic for both offensive and defensive roles, with variations like the destroy salvo and suppression salvo.
  • ๐ŸŽฏ Advanced aiming techniques allowed artillery units to precisely target enemy positions, making salvos more effective.
  • โ›ต The USS Iowa-class battleship, with its 16-inch shells weighing around 2,000 pounds, could deliver a massive 18,000 pounds of explosive in a single salvo.
  • ๐Ÿ“‰ Post-World War 2, the salvo tactic's relevance declined with the advent of cruise missiles and long-range bombing, making traditional battleship artillery less significant.
  • ๐ŸŽ‰ Today, salvos are often used for ceremonial purposes, showcasing military might in a dramatic and thunderous display.
Q & A
  • What does the term 'salvo' stand for in military tactics?

    -A salvo is a military term that refers to the simultaneous firing of several guns, as opposed to gunfire where all guns fire independently upon an order.

  • How is a 'volley' different from a 'salvo'?

    -A volley is a term similar to salvo but it is related to small arms and infantry, whereas a salvo is used by Navy and field artillery to achieve maximum firepower in one moment.

  • Since what period has the salvo tactic been used in naval warfare?

    -The salvo tactic has been used in naval warfare since the 15th century, during the age of sail.

  • What was the primary goal of using a salvo in naval warfare?

    -The primary goal of using a salvo in naval warfare was to strike the enemy with one powerful blow to prevent them from fighting back.

  • How did the development of battleships in the 19th and 20th centuries affect the salvo tactic?

    -The development of battleships led to further development of the salvo tactic, as modern battleships had multiple turrets with multiple guns, allowing for simultaneous and coordinated fire from heavy caliber guns, increasing the tactic's firepower.

  • What is the advantage of a salvo in terms of setting the firing range?

    -A salvo is advantageous in setting the firing range because it is easier to spot than individual shots. The shells from a salvo fall together, allowing for the splashes to be seen together, making it easier to adjust fire.

  • What are some variations of the salvo tactic?

    -Variations of the salvo tactic include the broadside, half salvo or split salvo, double salvo, and bracket Southall or zigzag salvo. These variations allow for different levels of firepower and continuous fire.

  • How was the salvo tactic used against coastal fortifications?

    -Salvos were effective against coastal fortifications due to their intense firepower. The explosive power of a battleship's salvo could shake the ground upon impact, similar to the effects of air attacks.

  • What are the offensive and defensive roles of the salvo tactic in field artillery?

    -Offensively, the destroy salvo aimed to inflict maximum casualties before the enemy could reorganize. Defensively, the suppression salvo aimed to pin down the enemy or force them to withdraw, while also providing a protective screen between attackers and defenders.

  • How did the development of cruise missiles impact the use of the salvo tactic?

    -The development of cruise missiles made battleships and their artillery less relevant, as missiles could cause more damage at greater distances. This, along with the rise of long-range missiles and air bombing, diminished the role of field artillery and the use of salvos.

  • What is the current use of salvos in the military?

    -Today, salvos are mostly used for ceremonial purposes, serving as a loud and thunderous display of might rather than a practical military tactic.

  • How is the game 'World of Warships' related to the concept of the salvo?

    -World of Warships is a free-to-play game that allows players to command naval fleets featuring iconic war vessels. The game incorporates the concept of the salvo as a tactic in naval combat, offering a balance of action and strategy.

Outlines
00:00
๐Ÿšข Naval and Field Artillery: The Evolution of the Salvo Tactic

The first paragraph introduces the concept of the salvo, a military tactic where multiple guns are fired simultaneously to maximize firepower. It traces the use of the salvo from the 15th century in naval warfare to its peak during the age of battleships in the 19th and 20th centuries. The paragraph explains how battleships with multiple turrets could concentrate fire in various directions, making the salvo a powerful tactic. It also describes different salvo variations, such as broadside, half salvo, split salvo, double salvo, and bracket salvo, each serving specific tactical purposes in battle. The paragraph further discusses the use of salvos against coastal fortifications and compares their efficiency to air attacks. It concludes with the impact of technological advancements like cruise missiles on the decline of the salvo tactic in modern warfare.

05:01
๐ŸŽฎ World of Warships: Strategy Meets Action

The second paragraph shifts the focus to the application of the salvo tactic in the game 'World of Warships.' It describes the game as a blend of action and strategy where players can command a naval fleet of historically iconic warships. The paragraph emphasizes the game's attention to detail, with each ship being recreated using 3D scans of their real-life counterparts. It also highlights the dynamic nature of the game, which includes weather effects that alter battle tactics. The paragraph provides information on the game's continuous updates and the variety of available ships across different nations. It concludes with an exclusive offer for new players to receive a free USS Langley aircraft carrier and other bonuses by using a specific code.

Mindmap
Keywords
๐Ÿ’กSalvo
A 'salvo' in military terms refers to the simultaneous firing of several guns. It is a tactic used to maximize firepower at one moment. In the context of the video, the salvo tactic is central to both naval and field artillery warfare, where it aims to deliver a decisive blow to the enemy and prevent retaliation. The video discusses the historical use of salvos from the 15th century to modern times, highlighting its evolution with the development of battleships and its application in various combat scenarios.
๐Ÿ’กVolley
A 'volley' is a term similar to salvo, but it specifically relates to small arms and infantry. While both involve multiple weapons being fired at once, volleys are used in a different context, focusing on infantry combat rather than the naval or artillery applications of salvos. The video distinguishes between salvos and volleys to clarify the specific use of each term in military tactics.
๐Ÿ’กBattleships
Battleships are large, heavily armed and armored warships historically known for their powerful guns and strong defensive capabilities. The development of battleships in the 19th and 20th centuries significantly influenced the advancement of the salvo tactic. Battleships, with their multiple turrets and heavy caliber guns, could deliver a coordinated and simultaneous salvo, making them a symbol of naval power. The video emphasizes the role of battleships in enhancing the effectiveness of the salvo tactic in naval warfare.
๐Ÿ’กField Artillery
Field artillery refers to large-caliber guns and other weapons that are typically used in ground warfare to provide fire support for infantry and armored units. The video discusses how field artillery units employ the salvo tactic, with coordinated fire from entire ranks of a battalion to deliver a powerful offensive or defensive blow. The use of salvos in field artillery is shown to have both offensive roles, such as the destroy salvo, and defensive roles, like the suppression salvo.
๐Ÿ’กSimultaneous Fire
Simultaneous fire is a key component of the salvo tactic, where multiple guns fire at the same time. This coordinated action increases the concentration of firepower and can overwhelm the enemy's defenses. The video explains that simultaneous fire from battleships' guns or field artillery units is crucial for achieving the desired impact of a salvo, whether it's against enemy ships or coastal fortifications.
๐Ÿ’กRange Determination
Range determination is the process of calculating the distance to a target, which is essential for accurate firing. In the context of the video, salvos are used to set the firing range more effectively than individual shots. The simultaneous impact of salvo fire makes it easier to spot and adjust for more accurate targeting. The video describes techniques like the bracket salvo or zigzag salvo, which involve firing at different ranges to determine the precise distance to the target.
๐Ÿ’กNaval Warfare
Naval warfare involves combat operations conducted on, under, or over the sea. The video highlights the historical use of salvos in naval warfare since the 15th century, with the goal of striking the enemy with one powerful blow to prevent counterattack. The development of battleships and their heavy guns made the salvo tactic even more significant in naval engagements.
๐Ÿ’กOffensive and Defensive Roles
The salvo tactic can be employed both offensively and defensively in warfare. Offensively, it aims to inflict maximum casualties before the enemy can reorganize, while defensively, it seeks to slow the enemy's advance or provide a protective screen. The video outlines specific salvo types used for each role, such as the offensive destroy salvo and the defensive suppression salvo, demonstrating the versatility of the tactic in various combat situations.
๐Ÿ’กWorld of Warships
World of Warships is a free-to-play naval warfare-themed massively multiplayer online game. The game is mentioned in the video as a platform where players can experience the strategic use of naval warfare tactics, including the salvo tactic, in a virtual environment. Players can command historical warships and engage in combat that simulates real-world naval tactics, making it a relevant context for understanding the application of the salvo tactic.
๐Ÿ’กCruise Missiles
Cruise missiles are self-propelled, long-range, precision-guided weapons that have changed modern warfare. The video discusses how the development of cruise missiles contributed to the decline of the salvo tactic's prominence, as missiles can deliver more damage at greater distances than traditional battleship artillery. This technological advancement has shifted the focus of naval and field artillery tactics.
๐Ÿ’กCeremonial Purposes
In modern times, the use of salvos has largely been reduced to ceremonial purposes, where they serve as a symbolic display of power and might. The video notes that while the practical application of salvos in warfare has diminished with advancements in military technology, they still hold a place in military tradition and ceremony, often used to honor or commemorate significant events or figures.
Highlights

Salvo is a military term for the simultaneous firing of several guns to maximize firepower at once.

The tactic of salvo was used by both Navy and field artillery to achieve a decisive blow against enemies.

In naval warfare, salvos have been used since the 15th century with the goal of overwhelming the enemy with a single strike.

Development of battleships in the 19th and 20th centuries led to the further development of the salvo tactic, symbolizing naval power.

Modern battleships with multiple turrets allowed for concentrated fire in various directions, enhancing the salvo's effectiveness.

Salvos were easier to spot for range finding compared to individual shots, improving accuracy in naval combat.

Different salvo variations, such as broadside, half salvo, and double salvo, provided tactical flexibility in combat situations.

The bracket salvo or zigzag salvo was a method used to determine the range to a target, extensively used in both World Wars.

Salvos were not only for targeting enemy ships but also effective against coastal fortifications.

Field artillery used coordinated salvo fire for both offensive and defensive roles, similar to naval warfare tactics.

Offensive salvos aimed to inflict maximum casualties before the enemy could reorganize, while counterbattery salvos targeted enemy artillery positions.

Suppression salvos provided slow, continuous fire to pin down or force the enemy to withdraw during friendly troop attacks.

Aiming techniques progressed alongside artillery, allowing precise targeting and maximizing the impact of salvos.

The salvo tactic began to decline post-World War 2 with the development of cruise missiles, making traditional battleship artillery less relevant.

Long-range missiles and air bombing diminished the role of field artillery, leading to a shift in military tactics.

Today, salvos are mostly used for ceremonial purposes, showcasing a thunderous display of might.

World of Warships is a free-to-play game that combines action and strategy, allowing players to command a naval fleet.

The game features over 200 ships from 11 different nations, offering a unique combat experience with weather effects and regular updates.

New players can receive an exclusive bonus starter pack, including the USS Langley aircraft carrier, by using a special code.

Transcripts
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