Strategist

Strategists were specialists within the ranks of military forces who were responsible for formulating the overall strategy of a war, rather than focusing on individual battles and campaigns. Both the Alliance to Restore the Republic and the Galactic Empire made use of strategists.

Description

Strategists were employed by military forces, including the Alliance to Restore the Republic^[1] and the Galactic Empire,^[2] to formulate and plan overall strategy during military campaigns and wars. They did not focus on individual battles, but rather the bigger picture, analyzing past events and using that data to see what could occur if they implemented their strategies. Strategists also oversaw other elements of the military, including logistical planning to ensure that military units were properly equipped and not spread to thinly.^[1]

Strategists were detail-oriented and level-headed, although they were rarely in direct command of military forces. They possessed a great deal of knowledge on the art and history of warfare, being aware of not only the capabilities and weaknesses of their own forces, but of the enemy as well.^[1]

History

During the Galactic Civil War, Imperial Navy strategists privately admitted that the Navy feared buying starfighters equipped with hyperdrives as it would be seen as an excuse to cut orders for new capital ships. This was part of the reason that the TIE Advanced x1 was not ordered in large quantities, with excessive cost being cited as the official reason.^[2]

General Carlist Rieekan served as a civilian strategist advising the House of Organa prior to joining the Alliance to Restore the Republic.^[3] Lieutenant Tanbris was an Imperial strategist aboard the DS-1 Orbital Battle Station. He specialized in the direction of Imperial starfighters.^[4]