Dessants

Dessants are a type of military tactic involving the movement of troops or equipment from a higher elevation to a lower one. This maneuver is often employed in mountainous or hilly terrain where advantageous positions can be secured by descending from commanding heights. The term itself is French, derived from the verb "descendre," meaning to descend.

The execution of a dessant requires careful planning and coordination. Factors such as the steepness of the slope, the type of terrain, and the potential for enemy observation and fire must be considered. Troops may descend in various formations, depending on the tactical situation. This can range from dispersed skirmish lines to more concentrated columns, with the choice dictated by the need for security, speed, and control.

Dessants can serve multiple strategic purposes. They might be used to outflank an enemy positioned on lower ground, to capture key terrain features such as valleys or river crossings, or to facilitate a rapid advance into enemy territory. Conversely, an enemy might attempt to disrupt a dessant through artillery fire, ambushes, or by utilizing terrain to their advantage. Effective dessants often rely on reconnaissance to identify the safest and most advantageous routes of descent. The success of such an operation can significantly influence the outcome of a battle or campaign in difficult terrain.