What does 'initiative' refer to in warfare?

In the context of warfare, 'initiative' refers to the proactive actions taken to exploit advantages over an opponent. This concept is crucial because it involves taking the lead in a situation—whether that is in terms of strategy, tactical maneuvering, or the timing of an attack. Initiative allows forces to dictate the tempo of engagements, shape the battlefield environment, and seize opportunities as they arise.

By maintaining the initiative, a commander can apply pressure to the adversary, forcing them to react rather than act, which often leads to making mistakes and can create openings for further advances. This proactive mindset is vital for achieving success in military operations. Thus, understanding and applying the principle of initiative is essential for effective warfare tactics and strategy.