Military defeat

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A Military defeat is the ultimate acceptance of cessation of combat by an armed force brought on through exhaustion of the troops, complete loss of cohesion, lack of weapons and equipment, significant interruption of logistic support or loss of effective military command. It is usually followed by a surrender of forces to the victorious enemy. Military defeats can be tactical, operational or strategic, though all can be partial within the scope of a larger war. Only a defeat in war can be considered decisive because it brings the conflict to an end. Military defeat renders those who surrender military prisoners. A defeat in which most of the troops of a given force become prisoners, or most of their equipment is destroyed as a result of combat, or captured by the enemy, is often considered a catastrophic defeat.