Tactics

Tactics are effectively programming blocks which you may use to define your units' behavior. Higher Command level and pilot/computer qualities will provide more granular and specific tactics packages.

For example, a basic ship might only have a single default unchangeable tactics package which is simply "each turn, attack closest enemy with all weapons."

Later on, you can add additional tactics packages in a hierarchy: and eventually even script your own. Then you could, for example, have a unit understand that one or more of its weapons may not be as effective on one target as they may be on another; or it can otherwise analyze the playing field and select a target based on multiple factors including its own strengths and weaknesses and its observations of the enemies.

Keep in mind, higher level enemies will usually have smarter tactics packages as well. Part of the fun will be learning how certain units operate so you may exploit that knowledge with your own tactics in the future.