What is the main focus of the tactical level of war?

The tactical level of war primarily concentrates on winning battles. This level is concerned with the specific engagements and maneuvers that take place during combat operations, directly involving the use of soldiers and units in the field. At this level, commanders make decisions that aim to achieve immediate and short-term objectives, which are essential to the overall success of a campaign.

Winning battles is crucial because each battle contributes to the broader strategy of the war. The tactical outcomes significantly influence operational and strategic decisions, impacting the overall momentum and effectiveness of military efforts. The focus on battles encompasses the utilization of resources, troops, and tactics to gain a decisive advantage over the opponent in specific confrontations.

Other options such as winning wars or support from the public fall under different levels of warfare, namely the operational and strategic levels. Winning negotiations, while important in certain contexts, does not directly pertain to the tactical conduct of military forces in engagements and is often related to diplomacy rather than combat operations. Therefore, understanding the tactical level's focus on battles helps clarify its role within the larger framework of military strategy.