systems-senryakujutsu

Senryakujutsu

Senryakujutsu (戦略術) is the study of the methods of strategy and tactics. Shinobi often had to work in small units or individually behind enemy lines or cut-off from leadership and orders. This often lead to operatives having to make decisions based on personal discretion. The study of senryakujutsu looks at individual operational procedures, small unit tactics and strategic operational control. 

Leadership and management are important aspects of ninjutsu and larger operations with multiple personnel required efficient organisational structure and lines of communication. Individuals with no or limited oversight had to complete missions without supervision or guidance. Small unit leaders had to direct those under their command to complete objectives in line with the overall mission and operational commanders had to organise and execute these operations with limited feedback or real-time understanding of mission progress. 

In the modern world, lines of communication and real-time oversight are no longer an issue due to technological advancement, but these systems can be compromised forcing operatives to use analog or ancient methods to complete their missions. 

Senryakujutsu at Ikari Dojo is organised in a similar way to the other sub-systems using the kamae-waza-jutsu-kata system. Kamae in senryakujutsu refers to both procedural structure and physical structure. An example of procedural structure is the SMEAC system used by many armed forces around the world. SMEAC stands for Situation, Mission, Execution, Administration and Command, and is an efficient way to outline operations at a tactical or strategic level. Although this is a modern procedure, it is similar to procedural structures used by the shinobi and samurai of the feudal period. 

Physical senryakujutsu kamae involve unit and individual positioning, set-up and line of movement. Senryakujutsu is just an expansion of scope to multiple individuals or units from the simple techniques found in other combat sub-systems.