Confusion about Military Jargon

I've come across the term 'military barrier of branches and sticks' in a history class. Can anyone clarify what this refers to in the context of military strategies or defenses? Is it used frequently today?

The term you're referring to, "military barrier of branches and sticks," is more commonly known as an abatis. An abatis is a defensive obstacle made by laying felled trees on top of each other with the branches, often sharpened, pointing towards the enemy. The trees are usually interlaced with other obstacles such as vines or wire to strengthen the defense.

Such a setup tends to be concentrated in areas vulnerable to attacks, creating an inconvenient and potentially hazardous obstruction for the oncoming attackers. Bear in mind that these barriers are usually not standalone defenses but rather elements in a broader defensive strategy, often used in conjunction with trenches, ramparts, or other fortifications.

While initially prevalent in historical warfare for its ease and low-cost of construction, it isn't frequently used in modern military strategies. These days, more advanced warfare technology and weapons make traditional defenses like abatis less effective. However, it's worth noting that variations of abatis, or the principle behind it, might still find uses in specific scenarios, such as impromptu defenses in guerilla warfare or as part of other military tactics. For example, during recent conflicts, some forces have used similar tactics with modern materials, like cars and barbed wire, to hastily create obstacles.