What the word means and what it gets used for a very different things.
What the word means:
1. ADJECTIVE [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
You use tactical to describe an action or plan which is intended to help someone achieve what they want in a particular situation.
2. ADJECTIVE [ADJECTIVE noun]
Tactical weapons or forces are those which a military leader can decide for themselves to use in a battle, rather than waiting for a decision by a political leader.
Definition 2 relates to the difference between tactical & strategic. I work in an environment where the place I work and my management are at the strategic level, but I am also in long term development to provide capability to the tactical level.
My day to day business and primary role is to support and respond to long term strategic planning & decision making, but I regularly talk with those down the chain who support the day to day on the ground in accordance with the strategy.
What the word is used for:
When you see anything in airsoft called ‘tactical’ they usually mean either ‘tacticool’ or ‘all the gear no idea’
A tactical shotgun is a shotgun designed for ‘tactical’ needs of a combat task. The first would be WW1 trench shotguns - to give a good short range wide blast in a confined area and still function with rapid fire. Probably a pump action with a short barrel and a heat shield (so the user doesn’t get burned by the barrel in repeated rapid fire)
Fitting rails to anything tactical is intended to give the option to modify it as required for the task in use.
But just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. The ‘tactical’ thing to do is very often to not fit anything, unless it adds to the role it is used for, otherwise you are adding extra weight, slowing you down and reducing your capacity to carry something else you may need.
There is a conflict between strategy and tactical:
The ancient soldier had heavy equipment but was relatively light, with no or basic armour, their personal weapon, some food & drink and perhaps their bedding. The rest was carried behind on wagons or obtained along the way.
A modern soldier has better/lighter materials, but carries more of them.
They have a form of armour, personal weapon, ammunition (and ammunition/equipment to support team weapons), some food & drink and bedding/shelter depending on mission.
Leaders on a strategic basis can see that soldiers are carrying too much weight slowing them down and in the long term destroying their bodies.
They set doctrine on what should be carried for the type of mission:
Whether full, partial or no armour should be worn - the balance between soldiers being injured or killed because the body armour affects their movement & slows them down vs the fact that they will be hit anyway and the level of protection it gives them
High tech body armour is developed so that the same protection is provided for less weight - but then weapons and ammunition are developed requiring stronger body armour
What weapon mix should be in each type / size of unit & it’s mission, and how much ammunition should be carried
The strategic view and doctrine seek to lighten the load for the soldier.
But as the load is lightened, at the tactical level the commander and the soldiers carry more up to the same weight again
