What does it mean to 'Defeat' a military force?

To 'defeat' a military force primarily means to render it incapable of achieving its objectives. This concept encompasses a broader strategic perspective than simply destroying or capturing units. Defeating a force can involve various tactics and strategies, such as disrupting supply lines, affecting morale, or influencing the enemy's command and control capabilities, thereby limiting their operational effectiveness.

This definition highlights that military success doesn't always require total destruction; it can also be achieved by undermining the enemy's ability to carry out their plans, which is often a more sustainable form of victory in complex military operations. In this light, achieving a decisive impact on the enemy's capacity aligns with the overarching goals of military engagement, where focus is placed on operational outcomes rather than merely inflicting physical damage.