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THESE are The Talents of the Commander; The Military Virtue of the Army;
Its National feeling. Which of these is the most important no one can
tell in a general way, for it is very difficult to say anything in
general of their strength, and still more difficult to compare the
strength of one with that of another. The best plan is not to undervalue
any of them, a fault which human judgment is prone to, sometimes on one
side, sometimes on another, in its whimsical oscillations. It is better
to satisfy ourselves of the undeniable efficacy of these three things by
sufficient evidence from history.
It is true, however, that in modern times the Armies of European states
have arrived very much at a par as regards discipline and fitness
for service, and that the conduct of War has--as philosophers would
say--naturally developed itself, thereby become a method, common as
it were to all Armies, so that even from Commanders there is nothing
further to be expected in the way of application of special means
of Art, in the limited sense (such as Frederick the Second's oblique
order). Hence it cannot be denied that, as matters now stand, greater
scope is afforded for the influence of National spirit and habituation
of an army to War. A long peace may again alter all this.(*)
(*) Written shortly after the Great Napoleonic campaigns.
The national spirit of an Army (enthusiasm, fanatical zeal, faith,
opinion) displays itself most in mountain warfare, where every one down
to the common soldier is left to himself. On this account, a mountainous
country is the best campaigning ground for popular levies.
Expertness of an Army through training, and that well-tempered courage
which holds the ranks together as if they had been cast in a mould, show
their superiority in an open country.
The talent of a General has most room to display itself in a closely
intersected, undulating country. In mountains he has too little command
over the separate parts, and the direction of all is beyond his powers;
in open plains it is simple and does not exceed those powers.
According to these undeniable elective affinities, plans should be
regulated. |
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