The three military arts. First - Apprehension, how to arrange things in camp, how to march, how to attack, pursue, and strike; for taking up position, final judgement of the enemy's strength, for estimating his intentions. Second - Quickness... This quickness doesn't weary the men. The enemy doesn't expect us, reckons us 100 versts away, and if a long way off to begin with - 200, 300 or more - suddenly we're on him, like snow on the head; his head spins. Attack with what comes up, with what God sends; the cavalry to begin, smash, strike, cut off, don't let slip, hurra! Brothers do miracles! Third - Attack. Leg supports leg. Arm strengthens arm; many men will die in the volley; the enemy has the same weapons, but he doesn't know the Russian bayonet. Extend the line - attack at once with cold steel; extend the line without stopping... the Cossacks to get through everywhere... In two lines is strength; in three, half as much again; the first breaks, the second drives into heaps, the third overthrows.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Success depends on planning, speed, and coordinated close combat.
- In plain terms
- Plan well, move fast, and attack together.
- What can you take from it?
- Combine planning, speed, and united attacks.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you balance speed and order?
- What makes an attack decisive?
Another view
It requires high training levels that are hard to achieve.
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