Part 3. Field Combat: Target the Enemy

No one starts a war—or rather, no one in his sense ought to do so—without first being clear in his mind what he intends to achieve by that war and how he intends to conduct it.

The first and most important rule to observe in order to accomplish these purposes is to use our entire forces with the utmost energy. Any moderation shown would leave us short of our aim.

The second rule is to concentrate our power as much as possible against that section where the chief blows are to be delivered and to incur disadvantages elsewhere, so that our chances of success may increase at the decisive point.

The third rule is never to waste time. Unless important advantages are to be gained from hesitation, it is necessary to set to work at once.

Carl von Clausewitz, Principles of War (Emphasis Added)

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