FORCE MARCH Meaning and
Definition
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Force march refers to a military tactic where troops are made to march over long distances at a rapid pace, often under harsh conditions and with minimal rest. It is a method employed to quickly move soldiers to a specific location or to surprise the enemy. Also known as forced march or forced marche, this strategy is typically employed during times of urgency or necessity, such as when time is of the essence or when there is a need to secure an advantageous position swiftly.
During a force march, soldiers are required to maintain a fast pace, often exceeding the normal speed at which they would march. This means covering great distances in a shorter period, which can impose tremendous physical strain on the troops. Soldiers may be subjected to carrying heavy loads, enduring extreme weather conditions, and experiencing sleep deprivation as they push through the arduous journey.
Employing force march necessitates careful planning and organization to ensure the troops' welfare and overall mission success. Leaders must consider factors such as the soldiers' physical condition and endurance levels, the availability of resources along the route for sustenance and rest, as well as the tactical objective at hand. Force marching can be an effective means of achieving rapid mobility, but it also carries inherent risks, such as exhaustion, injury, or diminished combat readiness if soldiers are pushed beyond their physical limits.
Overall, force march is a military technique that enables troops to quickly traverse great distances, strengthening the troops' strategic positioning and potentially providing an element of surprise to the enemy.
Etymology of FORCE MARCH
The word "force march" is a combination of two words: "force" and "march".
The word "force" comes from the Old French word "force", which in turn is derived from the Latin word "fortis", meaning strong or powerful. The term "force" can be traced back to the Latin word "fortia", meaning force, power, or strength.
The word "march" originates from the Old French word "marcher", meaning to march or walk. This word can be linked to the Late Latin word "marcare", which means to trample or stamp.
When combined, "force march" refers to a rapid or hurried march done at an accelerated pace, usually by soldiers. It implies a physically demanding and intense march undertaken with great strength and determination. The term is commonly used in military contexts to describe a forced march done to quickly move troops to a target location.
