Control (planetary assault tactics)

Control was the final, and according to strategist Michael Unther of the Galactic Empire, the most important phase in a planetary assault operation. It consisted in maintaining control of the conquered system.

According to Unther some important aspects of this phase were inducing fear in the inhabitants (by threatening them into submission with orbital bombardments), gaining cultural knowledge (study the local culture and traditions to gain more knowledge about the inhabitants), and propoganda. Knowledge of the enemy allowed for designing the most effective type of propoganda. Another inportant aspect of propoganda was to blame acts of sabotage on resisting military forces. Thus, Imperials often blamed the Rebellion for commiting terrorism and causing famines. An often successful strategy was to bring food to the inhabitants after gaining control over their planet in order to gain their sympathy and admiration.