Too frequent rewards indicate that the general is at the end of his resources; too frequent punishments that he is in acute distress.
Without harmony in the State, no military expedition can be undertaken; without harmony in the army, no battle array can be formed.
Those whose upper and lower ranks have the same desire are victorious.
There are routes not to be followed, armies not to be attacked, citadels not to be besieged, territory not to be fought over.
The rising of birds in their flight is the sign of an ambuscade. Startled beasts indicate that a sudden attack is coming.
What is of supreme importance in war is to attack the enemy’s strategy.
Know the enemy, know yourself; your victory will never be endangered. Know the ground, know the weather; your victory will then be total.
If you are situated at a great distance from the enemy, and the strength of the two armies is equal, it is not easy to provoke a battle, and fighting will be to your disadvantage.
So there are five ways of knowing who will win. Those who know when to fight and when not to fight are victorious. Those who discern when to use many or few troops are victorious. Those whose upper and lower ranks have the same desire are victorious.
If we do not wish to fight, we can prevent the enemy from engaging us even though the lines of our encampment be merely traced out on the ground. All we need to do is to throw something odd and unaccountable in his way.
Move not unless you see an advantage; use not your troops unless there is something to be gained; fight not unless the position is critical.
If, however, you are indulgent, but unable to make your authority felt; kind-hearted, but unable to enforce your commands; and incapable, moreover, of quelling disorder: then your soldiers must be likened to spoilt children; they are useless for any practical purpose.
There, where I have passed, the grass will never grow again.
A good general not only sees the way to victory; he also knows when victory is impossible.
Logistics comprises the means and arrangements which work out the plans of strategy and tactics. Strategy decides where to act; logistics brings the troops to this point.
Diversity in counsel, unity in command.
Implementing Extreme Ownership requires checking your ego and operating with a high degree of humility. Admitting mistakes, taking ownership, and developing a plan to overcome challenges are integral to any successful team.
Extreme Ownership. Leaders must own everything in their world. There is no one else to blame.
Cover and Move, Simple, Prioritize and Execute, and Decentralized Command.
I need ammunition, not a ride.