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		Beware of "High-Level Dumb"



		Sun Tzu continues:

Now, the general is the bulwark of the state:

If the bulwark is complete at all points, the state will surely be strong.

If the bulwark is defective, the state will certainly be weak.

Now, there are three ways in which a sovereign can bring misfortune upon his army:

By ordering an advance while ignorant of the fact that the army cannot go forward, or by ordering a retreat while ignorant of the fact that the army cannot fall back. This is described as 'hobbling the army.'

By interfering with the army's administration without knowledge of the internal affairs of the army. This causes officers and soldiers to be perplexed.

By interfering with direction of fighting, while ignorant of the military principle of adaptation to circumstances. This sows doubts and misgivings in the minds of his officers and soldiers.

If the army is confused and suspicious, neighboring rulers will take advantage of this and cause trouble. This is simply bringing anarchy into the army and flinging victory away.



		Orders versus Instructions



		In the Prussian armies of the late 19th century, a system was instituted to clearly differentiate between orders and instructions:

Instructions were an expression of the commander's wishes, not to be carried out unless manifestly practicable.

Orders were to be obeyed instantly and to the letter.



		However, orders could be issued only by an officer actually present with the troops concerned and fully aware of the situation. ¹



		This clear differentiation provides a methodology to ensure that headquarters does not run operations by remote control.

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