I talked about Coronavirus and Y2K in yesterday’s vlog. I’m sure that I’ll be discussing Corona-chan more in the coming days, since the partisan media and Democrats (but I repeat myself) seem bent on using this as their latest political cudgel, at least until they find something which they think will be more useful. Then poor Corona-chan will cast out to the scraps of memory, just like everything else. But I’m tired of talking about the stupid Coronavirus, because it’s boring and overhyped, so I’m going to write about something else today: dogfighting tactics! Specifically, the Dicta Boelcke, which I’ve referenced a few other times in different ways.
For folks who don’t know, the Dicta Boelcke comprised the first codified set of rules and tactics for aerial combat. Eight strong, they provided the foundation not only for Germany’s aerial tactics in the later part of World War I, but also found their way into the tactical doctrine of most other countries up to the current day. What was true in 1916, largely still applies now. According to Boelcke’s first biographer, his eight rules were as follows:
1. Try to secure advantages before attacking. If possible, keep the sun behind you.
2. Always carry through an attack when you have started it.
3. Fire only at close range, and only when your opponent is properly in your sights.
4. Always keep your eye on your opponent, and never let yourself be deceived by ruses.
5. In any form of attack it is essential to assail your enemy from behind.
6. If your opponent dives on you, do not try to evade his onslaught, but fly to meet it.
7. When over the enemy’s lines never forget your own line of retreat.
8. For the Staffel (squadron): Attack on principle in groups of four or six. When the fight breaks up into a series of single combats, take care that several do not go for the same opponent.
If you’ve been watching my vlogs for the past few weeks, I keep mentioning “Single Target” for how I need to be focused. In my mind, at least, that comes specifically from Rule #2. I’m bad carrying through. That’s what I’m trying to work on. Not spreading myself too thin trying to do streams, edit videos, review games, work through Kon Mari steps, and do CAP trainings. One problem at a time. Attack one thing, carry it through once started, and don’t be deceived by ruses (there’s Rule #4 too).