Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Empty and Full + The Fray + The Nine Changes




Master Sun beings by writing about 'the skillful warrior stirs and is not stirred' meaning not letting yourself become reactionary to what the enemy is doing. A purely reactionary strategy is never a good thing since it gives the enemy control over your behavior.

Rather, according to Sun Tzu, one must strike the enemy where he is unprepared and appear where he least expects you. Easier said than done.

Sun Tzu was right when he says that by attacking a certain part, the enemy will naturally reinforce it and weaken another part. This reminded me of 'We Were Soldiers Once' in how the US soldiers reinforced the front from where they expected attack to come, but some officers were very diligent in filling in the gaps. When pulling security at a patrol base or wherever, being aware of weaknesses because you are reinforcing another area is something else to think about.

Another consideration that is presented is avoiding a fight if your men are exhausted. After marching them for thirty miles, it is a bad idea to engage. This is where you have to be wary, since Tzu says to strike quickly, but moving too quickly over too long a distance can be very stupid. Towards the end of the second chapter, he also warns not to bite at the enemy's bait. Just as you are thinking of deceiving him, assume that he is thinking of deceiving you and steer clear of it.

The Nine Changes which overview terrain reminded me of OAKOC since we have our own terrain procedures such as staying clear from roads and/or crossing them quickly, fanning out while in the open, etc. etc.

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