What does the concept of friction in war refer to?

The concept of friction in war, as articulated by military theorist Carl von Clausewitz, refers to the inherent difficulties and uncertainties that can disrupt military operations. Specifically, it encompasses the challenges posed by danger, the physical effort required by troops, and the ambiguity of information that commanders must navigate in the chaotic environment of conflict.

Danger includes the risks soldiers face on the battlefield, which can impact decision-making and effectiveness. Physical effort pertains to the demands placed on personnel in terms of endurance, logistics, and the sheer exertion required to conduct operations, which can vary widely in different scenarios. Ambiguous information highlights the uncertainty and confusion that can arise from incomplete or misleading intelligence, affecting strategies and actions.

While logistical challenges, resource allocation, strategic surprises, opponent tactics, weather, terrain, and morale are all important factors in military operations, they do not encapsulate the broad conceptual framework of friction in war as defined by Clausewitz. Friction is primarily concerned with the unpredictable nature of warfare and the myriad factors that complicate the execution of plans, which is why the focus on danger, physical effort, and ambiguous information aligns closely with the essence of the concept.