Kleinkrieg is translated here as small or petty warfare rather than guerrilla warfare at sea. Its operational purpose is to use small forces to wear away a larger opponent. Attrition is meant to create favorable conditions for a later decisive battle, or to continue until the stronger fleet has effectively disappeared. The same logic resembles the German naval problem in both world wars, where weaker forces sought to reduce a superior enemy before decision.
Notable Point · 38:26-38:51
Kleinkrieg as attrition before decisive battle
Kleinkrieg is defined as small forces wearing down a stronger fleet until decisive action becomes possible or the larger force is consumed piecemeal.