If a segment of one's force is located where it is not sufficiently busy with the enemy, ot if the troops are on the march - that is, idle - while the enemy is fighting, then these forces are being managed uneconomically. In this sense they are being wasted, which is even worse than using them inappropriately.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Idle troops are wasted resources and are worse than using them wrongly.
- In plain terms
- Unused forces are wasted.
- What can you take from it?
- Avoid idling forces; use them efficiently.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you measure efficiency?
- Why is waste bad?
Another view
Sometimes resting troops is necessary for long-term success.
More from Karl von Clausewitz
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