@Conflict Said
Helo, Shadowen. Congratulations on creating another thread on the topic of the Great War. It goes to show that I am not the only one who believes this historical event to be worthy of discussion.
The four years of this conflict introduced the concepts of modern warfare very well, such as the use of the tank to overwhelm trench defenses and barbed wire, more complex fighting methods such as using grenades to flush out the enemy or dispatch a group of them in one fell swoop.
A century down the line, WW1 still resonates very well. It´s a fine subject of history for anyone to study.
World War 1 really did mark a significant change in tactics (and to a lesser degree strategy) as the conflict progressed. The machine gun really made it's mark, of course there was the introduction of the tank and the increasing use of aircraft. Indeed General Sir John Monash really pioneered the all arms approach to warfare and was one of the earliest proponents of using tanks in concentrated numbers.
Monash also introduced the concept that soldiers be trained to do the job of someone at least two ranks higher than they themselves were. Furthermore, he introduced a system whereby all ranks would be briefed on upcoming operations. Units were therefore told what the objectives were and what resources were available, but they were given flexibility in how they achieved their objectives. This gave the AIF greater flexibility than most other armies as troops on the ground could react to changing circumstances without having to send back the information to HQ and then await a reply.
He preached flexibity at all levels and concentrating forces at the decisive point of impact. His beliefs influenced General Hans von Seeckt who in turn was hugely influencial in the post war German army.
Generals Heinz Guderian, Erich von Manstein and Erwin Rommel, who served in the Great War, were also strong advocates of using concentrated armoured units with close air support, and mechanised troops following in close support. de Gaulle also held similiar views.