What is the single greatest military weapon ever created?

[kpmarine]

Classic ....divide the forces, fire and maneuver. Thoughtlessly and easily executed, since the victory was handed to the Firsters on a silver plater of Sharps and Henries.

And brought by the Major that failed the block.

If I remember correctly from a History channel show on the subject; didn't Custer's forces have an issue with buying cartridges with brass that was too thin? I think it caused tearing of the casings on ejection; requiring them to ram the rest of the casing out with a rod. In defense of superior firepower being important at times, didn't Custer also leave his Gatling guns behind? Those would have been rather helpful when they started getting pushed back. That whole battle was lost by cockiness, in my opinion. To me, there seems to be one thing much more important than weapons: tactics. From what I recall, Literature on former tactics are still recommended reading for US military officers and Marine Corps forces in general (via the Commandant's reading list). For us, "Engage, close with, and destroy the enemy." was the mantra that was beaten into our heads. Tactics trump technology, especially when you make the mistake of thinking you've won before battle begins.

 

[budlover13]

If I remember correctly from a History channel show on the subject; didn't Custer's forces have an issue with buying cartridges with brass that was too thin? I think it caused tearing of the casings on ejection; requiring them to ram the rest of the casing out with a rod. In defense of superior firepower being important at times, didn't Custer also leave his Gatling guns behind? Those would have been rather helpful when they started getting pushed back. That whole battle was lost by cockiness, in my opinion. To me, there seems to be one thing much more important than weapons: tactics. From what I recall, Literature on former tactics are still recommended reading for US military officers and Marine Corps forces in general (via the Commandant's reading list). For us, "Engage, close with, and destroy the enemy." was the mantra that was beaten into our heads. Tactics trump technology, especially when you make the mistake of thinking you've won before battle begins.

Yes, he chose to leave the Gatling gun behind. Hadn't heard about the casing failures.

 

[Doer]

If I remember correctly from a History channel show on the subject; didn't Custer's forces have an issue with buying cartridges with brass that was too thin? I think it caused tearing of the casings on ejection; requiring them to ram the rest of the casing out with a rod. In defense of superior firepower being important at times, didn't Custer also leave his Gatling guns behind? Those would have been rather helpful when they started getting pushed back. That whole battle was lost by cockiness, in my opinion. To me, there seems to be one thing much more important than weapons: tactics. From what I recall, Literature on former tactics are still recommended reading for US military officers and Marine Corps forces in general (via the Commandant's reading list). For us, "Engage, close with, and destroy the enemy." was the mantra that was beaten into our heads. Tactics trump technology, especially when you make the mistake of thinking you've won before battle begins.

Well, interesting point. He has a Gatlin, let's say. He is out to eleminate that colony, after the women and children....terror war.

So, we know he ordered the pincer. Split the forces and Custer the hammer and Major Whoever is the block.

So, where to put the gatlin? Not much of a roll up the flank hammer tool for Calvary, is it? It is a defense or blocking weapon.

But, for the anvil force they had ample time to get the rear block in place and hold it with ...the gatlin gun.

Now consider that Major and how timid he turned out to be. He may have just abandoned that gun or at best hauled it up out of position to be pinned with the rest of the blocking force.