Demoralization is, in a context of warfare, national security, and law enforcement, a process in psychological warfare with the objective to erode morale among enemy combatants and/or noncombatants. That can encourage them to retreat, surrender, or defect rather than defeating them in combat.
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American Revolutionary War leaflet attempting to demoralize the British enemy by showing distinctions in the quality of life between the fighting forces.
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Hit-and-run tactics are a tactical doctrine of using short surprise attacks, withdrawing before the enemy can respond in force, and constantly maneuvering to avoid full engagement with the enemy. The purpose is not to decisively defeat the enemy or capture territory but to weaken enemy forces over time through raids, harassment, and skirmishing and limiting risk to friendly forces. Such tactics can also expose enemy defensive weaknesses and achieve a psychological effect on the enemy's morale.
A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force military light truck armed with a heavy machine gun for anti-personnel harassment operations.
Jeb Stuart's cavalry performed a series of raids around George McClellan's army in the Seven Days Battles by using hit-and-run tactics.