The purpose of this study is to introduce three different approaches to combat, and to analyze and compare six different theories of combat with the help of these perspectives. This includes theories of, for example, Clausewitz, Boyd, Van Creveld and Lanchester. By categorizing and analyzing such theories, the knowledge of how combat can be understood and investigated increases. The three different perspectives are called human-centered, social and physical perspective. The perspectives are in turn structured around four concept-pairs (dimensions) that are used to analyze and interpret the theories. The dimensions are termed existential-instrumental, mental-physical, descriptive-prescriptive and qualitative-quantitative. Among other things the results show that all six theories, regardless of perspective, are needed to better explain how the phenomenon of combat can be understood. Some conflicts between these theories are apparent and often based on misconceptions, conceptual disorder or on selective analyses. We also show both the pros and cons of the perspectives and analytical tools presented, and how the framework could be used in further research on combat, not just theoretical but also empirical.