The Importance of understanding the application of 3:1 ratio

[CLFilms]

I just recently posted an article on my Zombie Blog about the importance of understanding 3:1 ratios. This is a number used a tool by the US Army when teaching about executing tactics on the lowest level of fighting.

Here's a link to the article, and I'd be interested in entertaining conversations about it....


http://zombiespotreports.blogspot.com/2 ... -3-31.html

[Jeriah]

I don't get it. Maybe there is a basic thing I'm missing here. It sounds like you're saying, "Don't attack unless you outnumber the enemy 3:1," which sounds...well, nice if you can manage it, but somewhat optimistic. So I think I'm missing something here. What's this whole 3:1 thing about? (I read the article and STILL don't get it.)

[Phoenix David]

Yes 3:1 is that attack to defender ratio, it's nice if you have a squad available, most of the time we (civilians) don't have that.

[Jeriah]

Oh. You mean that it takes three attackers to successfully take out one dude in a foxhole? I've heard that. I think, though, that ratio implies a firearm-equipped defender in a prepared position. Zombies in an open field, I think the equation would be radically different. But I'd be interested in hearing more hypothesizing on this.

Also this should be in ZCT.

[CLFilms]

This is based on the Battle Drill 1A taught by the US Army, and I'm not necessarily saying that you need to physically outnumber Zombies 3:1-- but if you don't, you must have a combat multiplier. The example I used in the article was the utilization of the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon. It's a great weapon to have if you're all alone, especially when you're outnumbered.

3:1 is also a good way to define a good situation from a bad situation. If there's three of you, and one of them - the odds are GREATLY in your favor. If it's two to one, it's probably still good, but it only takes one person to turn a decent situation in a terrible one.

[raptor]

I am moving this to Zombie combat tactics.

[Hollowpoint26]

3:1 in a combat situation where the enemy communicates, moves tactically and is armed. As opposed to zombies, who just move forward toward food... I don't believe the 3:1 belongs in the same sentence as zombies. lol

[CLFilms]

3:1 still applies, but it comes down to determining what 3:1 truly means. I think a good way to look at it is like this:

- Zombie moving speed = 1/3 human moving speed. If I have a single shot rifle with three rounds and three Zombies that are 25 meters away and I have nowhere to run - I think I'll be alright. Four Zombies with FOUR rounds - I think I'm in trouble. There's a lot that factors into it.

BUT BOTTOM-LINE: It depends on the situation. Depends on how you're equipped and prepared.


And thanks for reading my article.