Which warfare approach is associated with a deterministic view of combat?

The approach associated with a deterministic view of combat is rooted in the belief that outcomes can be predicted and controlled through careful planning and centralized decision-making. Centralized control emphasizes a top-down structure where strategies and tactics are devised by higher command, with an expectation that specific resources and units will execute these plans in a predetermined manner. This reflects a belief in a more linear and controlled dynamic of warfare, where variables can be managed and the battlefield can be analyzed to minimize uncertainty.

In contrast, other approaches, such as maneuver warfare, emphasize flexibility, speed, and adapting to changing circumstances on the battlefield. Decentralized approaches encourage initiative at lower levels of command, while interactive and responsive methods focus on the dynamic interplay between forces and evolving situations, which may not lend themselves to clear predictions. Therefore, centralized control aligns best with a deterministic view, as it seeks to impose order and predictability on the chaos inherent in combat.