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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.

Alexander Suvorov#7

StrategyTacticsMilitaryDisciplinePlanningSpeed

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

  • military campaign
  • teamwork
  • execution

Putting it to work

  • study terrain
  • move quickly
  • maintain formation

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.

More from Alexander Suvorov

  1. No battle can be won in the study, and theory without practice is dead.

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  2. It is very difficult to do one's duty. I was considered a barbarian because at the storming of the Praga 7,000 people were killed. Europe says that I am a mons…

    Permalink to quote #8
  3. Win with ability, not with numbers.

    Permalink to quote #5

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