negative connotations and then imply some form of manipula-
tion. Tactics is also referred to within the Swedish Armed Forces
- tactics in different forms of combat.
But tactics can be more down to earth and basic than that. It
is often used in connection with sports and sporting events. We
act tactically differently in different situations, most noticeably
in group activities and games. We can also talk about tactics in
connection with, for example, chess or other board games. The
majority of board games have their origins in war games, to the
purpose of training commanders to think strategically and tac-
tically. The various pieces on a chess board can only be moved
according to specific rules, i.e. as prescribed by set patterns. The
pieces have different tasks in the game and the players have to
use their pieces in the best possible way, by optimally combining
their different characteristics. Sometimes pieces must be delibe-
rately forfeited, i.e. lose or risk the loss of some pieces to achieve
a higher goal. It is the long term goal that matters, to win the
game. Computer games also involve many interesting tactical and
strategic aspects which allow players to train their tactical and
strategic thinking and approach. See for example Kylesten & Sö-
derberg (2000).
Tactics can be considered as doing the right thing at the right
time. There are many similar definitions based on military opera-
tions. These include the ability to use units to carry out or support
combat (Chief of the General Staff, 1995). With regard to emergen-
cy response operations the tactical task can be defined as deciding
upon the prioritising of the distribution of resources, the plan-
ning and coordination of measures, and the procurement of the
requisite resources (Home Office, 2000) Tactics can also be defined
as the actual measures that are to be executed at the right time
and place. The challenge here, then, is to identify the requisite
measures and initiate, coordinate and execute them.
A definition of emergency response tactics, i.e. tactics in
connection with response operations, which has been app-
lied in Sweden in recent years, states that emergency respon-
se tactics can be seen as patterns of thought and action to, on
the basis of the end goal of preventing or limiting damage
or injury to people, property or the environment, achieve as
good a result from the operation as possible (Fredholm, 1990).
According to Fredholm the choice as to tactics is based on seve-
ral general conditions resulting from the immediate situation.