Editing Human wave attack (section)

==Definition==
According to U.S. Army analyst Edward C. O'Dowd, the technical definition of a human wave attack tactic is a frontal assault by [[Force concentration|densely concentrated]] infantry formations against an enemy line, without any attempts to shield or to mask the attacker's movement.{{sfn|O'Dowd|2007|p=145}} The goal of a human wave attack is to maneuver as many people as possible into close range, hoping that the shock from a large mass of attackers engaged in melee combat would force the enemy to disintegrate or fall back.{{sfn|O'Dowd|2007|p=145}}

The human wave attack's reliance on melee combat usually makes the organization and the training of the attacking force irrelevant, but it requires either great physical [[courage]], [[coercion]], or [[morale]] for the attackers to advance into enemy fire.{{sfn|O'Dowd|2007|pp=145-146}} However, when matched against modern weaponry such as automatic firearms, artillery and aircraft, a human wave attack is an extremely dangerous and costly tactic in the face of devastating firepower.{{sfn|O'Dowd|2007|p=145}} Thus, for a human wave attack to succeed on the modern battlefield, it is imperative for the attackers to [[Charge (warfare)|charge]] into the enemy line in the shortest time and in the greatest numbers possible, so that a sufficient mass can be preserved when the attackers reach melee range.{{sfn|O'Dowd|2007|p=145}}

However, this solution usually means that the attackers must sacrifice concealment and cover for numbers and speed.{{sfn|O'Dowd|2007|p=145}} Because of this trade-off, human wave attacks can be used by an attacker which lacks tactical training or one which lacks firepower and the ability to manoeuvre, but which can motivate and control its personnel.{{sfn|O'Dowd|2007|p=144}}