I just finished On War by Clauswitz, and I am very glad to be finished. (I’m rewarding myself with new books). It was a worthwhile read, something anyone involved at a decently high level in the military (or related to the military) should be required to read. There are points he makes that I think we attribute to him, but then we skew them or simplify them or portray them in a manner that at best is somewhat related to the original idea, and at worst is the opposite. Economy of Force is the one that immediately comes to mind. The Air Force’s position is that economy of force is utilizing the exact right amount of force, in direct conflict with mass, trying to be stingy with troops. Clauswitz on the other hand talks about being economical with troops by not wasting any of them. Even if the parts of your army are not pursuing the best option they can, at least have them actively pursuing something and hopefully tying up the enemy to some extent. This is completely contrary to the Air Force’s idea, and is in full accord with mass. There are other points also, but mostly just need to keep in mind his thoughts on grand strategy I think (war is too important to leave to the generals) and also that there are no tried and true rules, and even if there were, there’d be an exception or three to them. It’s a matter of assessing every situation as it comes in the unique context in which it exists and making a judgment. Prior knowledge and basic tenets of war can help shape the approach, but should not serve as a narrow path. And once again back to Lao Tsu according to Pratchett “Mine is but a simple way, but it is my way” or something of the sort.
