Chapter 11. Concentrate Your Force

The successful execution of a strategy requires the application of the right amount of effort at the right time in the right place. In military terms, this is known as concentration of force or the principle of mass. Great leaders know how, when, and where to concentrate the organizational force at their disposal.

MacArthur deftly applied the principle of mass throughout his military campaigns. This does not mean that he committed all his resources in every situation. On the contrary, he often attacked successfully with much smaller forces and fewer resources than his opponents enjoyed. One notable example was his return to the Philippines at Leyte. In describing the Leyte invasion fleet, MacArthur said:

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