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BOOK 8
VARIATIONS OF REALITY IN WAR
T
here are variations in all strategies and tactics. Understanding the
varieties of things is necessary for the warlord of worth to be able to
intelligently manipulate his troops regardless of prevailing conditions. To
function successfully, the possibility of variations occurring either in part or
in total must be in the mind of the proficient administrator.
One of the most important variations to consider is the resting place for
troops. Warlords must insure that they are never caught in an area where
they can be taken by surprise. It is difficult to do this when troops are in a
place of general mobility. If troops are dispersed over too broad an area,
signals will be difficult to pass. Communications must be ongoing at all
times, and there can be no breakdown if the warlord’s orders are to be acted
upon with immediacy during any aspect of the campaign.
In time of war, troops should be encamped in a place of complete safety,
but they must not be permitted to become complacent and, as a result,
derelict in their duties. If they are encamped where their safety may be at
risk, they will maintain resourcefulness and be vigilant towards intrusions.
When surrounded by enemies they know they have to fight to survive. It
will keep them alert.
Knowing about matters such as this is one thing: understanding when
and where to act upon them is another. Regardless of how things seem,
there are some places-mentally and physically-that must not be entered into
until proper control of thought develops proper strategy. It is the wise
warlord who knows when it is appropriate to fight and when it is far more
effective to leave the area without a contest, still emerging victoriously in
the end.
Because of the variations and the uncertainties of circumstance, there are
times when the warlord must disobey the commands of the ruler. The
mentality of conquest is subtle, and before disobeying an order a warlord
must have a deep understanding of the ruler’s prime directive. To disobey
because it may appear fashionable can only result in chaos. If the warlord is
strong and the ruler has assigned responsibility to him, but suddenly
changes directives in the middle of a campaign, there may be something
happening that the warlord is unaware of. A prudent warlord is always
apprised of changes in condition. He creates them. Disobeying a ruler’s
directive can lead to an overthrow of the entire chain of command, resulting
in a military coup. Officers who disobey without just cause must be put to
death as an example, unless they can justify their act. Should this ever
happen, the contemplative warlord must carefully examine all avenues of
cause and effect to understand the reasons for it and to ensure that it never
happens again.
The warlord who truly knows his troops and the directives of the ruler
can act on his own, if it is for the benefit of the entire state. When an order
is issued it must be followed without question. If a general acts through his
own volition and without authorization, then he must be punished,
regardless of the outcome of his actions. If the warlord does not punish
violators under these circumstances, he is seeking to indulge his troops:
they will eventually rebel. The warlord must rule with an iron fist and not
necessarily in a velvet glove.
The quickest route may not be the shortest. The most difficult terrain to
overcome may not be the most disadvantageous. It is not wise to capture
territory if it will prove difficult to hold. Breakdowns in communication can
place an otherwise victorious warlord in an area unreachable by
reinforcements. The dangers inherent in a military expedition must be
carefully weighed. The troops are never jeopardized, regardless of the
ruler’s orders.
There is no way for specific circumstance to be foretold. The intelligent
warlord carefully examines his own methods prior to attacking. He is able
to see the advantages of his immediate plans and the inherent dangers as
well. By manipulating the conditions of his plan, he can overcome obstacles
that he discovers when initiating the primary attack. By doing these things
the fates will smile upon him.
If the warlord wins the war without combat, it is because he is a master
of deception and guile. He can do this by presenting gifts to his enemy and
causing confusion among the enemy ranks by taking their attention from the
matter at hand. He uses things certain to have the effect he wants, such as
intoxicating beverages, beautiful women, and expensive gifts that would
whittle down enemy resources should they seek to duplicate them.
He also uses cunning to deceive and manipulate the ministers of the
enemy state by finding delicate matters to blackmail them with. There are
always numerous methods that make themselves available to the shrewd
warlord in the execution of his desires to fulfill the needs of his goals.
A fierce warlord must never question his own morality. If he does, he is
more concerned with popular opinion than he is with command and is not
fierce. Heaven will not help him maintain his control and position. He must
never let his guard down and must understand that those who do combat
with words will still rely on his skills in the field should they fail in their
diplomatic attempts.
The true warlord never lets his sword be out of reach. He keeps it close
because he is aware of the calamities that can destroy him: imprudence,
cowardice, belligerence, arrogance, and charity.
If he is imprudent, he will think in terms of foolish behavior to gain his
goals. Cowardly acts will cause him to lose his control and, in time, his life.
Belligerence and bull-nosed bravado will constantly force people to
challenge him, until someone succeeds in overthrowing his authority.
Arrogance will not permit him to see an issue unfolding about him. Charity
and overbearing compassion will show him as a sniveler. Bad attitudes
bring death to a person believing he is unbeatable.
The wise warlord tests anyone he thinks should be a general and
protector of the state. Many tests must be given on a continuous basis. It is
curious that rulers do not see fit to test their commanders completely before
giving them the responsibility of the nation. As a result, many nations have
been dismantled.
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