(First Phase.)

In the consideration of every Strategetic Situation possible in Warfare, or in Chess-play, the initial process always is a Grand Reconnaissance.

Grand Reconnaissance is that exact scrutiny of existing conditions, whereby is determined the relative advantages and disadvantages possessed by the opposing armies in:

1. Time.
2. Numbers.
3. Position.
4. Organization.
5. Mobility.
6. Topography.

The First Phase in the demonstration of every Prime Strategetic Proposition consists:

1. In determining by comparison of the relative advantages and disadvantages in Time, which of the opposing armies has the ability to MOVE, while the other must remain stationary.
2. In deducing the MOTIF of such movement.
3. In designating the DIRECTION of such movement.

The making of Grand Reconnaissance is a special privilege which exclusively appertains to the advantage in Time. It always should be made by the Commander-in-chief of that army which is able to put itself in motion, while the opposing army must remain stationary, and it never should be confounded with the advance of the Cavalry Corps, nor confused with the work of scouts and spies; all of which are matters entirely separate and distinct from Grand Reconnaissance.

In the Grand Reconnaissance of any given Strategetic Situation the element of Numbers primarily is to be considered, for the reason that the basic fact of the Science of Strategetics is:

“THE GREATER FORCE ALWAYS OVERCOMES THE LESSER.”—Napoleon.

Hence, unless more immediately vital considerations prevent, superiority in Numbers, of itself, is decisive of victory; and thus it readily is to be deduced that all else being equal, the advantage in Time plus the advantage in Numbers constitutes the easiest and simplest winning combination known to Strategetic Art.

But it so happens that the advantage in Time may be combined not only with the greater force, but also with an equal, or even with the lesser force, and from this it is self-evident that Strategetic Situations are divided into three classes, viz.:

I. Numerical superiority, plus right to move.
II. Numerical equality, plus right to move.
III. Numerical inferiority, plus right to move.

There are two primary methods for availing of superiority in Numbers to destroy the opposing lesser force, viz.:

1. By the Process of Attrition, i.e., by maintaining an incessant tactical offensive and thus wearing down the opposing army by exchanging pieces at every opportunity.
2. By Acting in Detachments, i.e., by means of the extra corps, simultaneously to attack more points of vital importance than the hostile army is able simultaneously to defend.

From the foregoing it is obvious that conversely there are two principal considerations, which all else being equal, must dominate the procedure of the Numerically inferior force, viz.:

I. To avoid further diminution of its aggregate.
II. To avoid creating indefensible vital points.

The second consideration in the making of a Grand Reconnaissance by the commander-in-chief of an army having the advantage in Time, is the element of Position; for the reason that by unscientific posting of Corps d’armee, relative advantages in Time, or in Numbers or in both, may be rendered nugatory, on account of inability of the kindred Columns of Attack, of Support and of Manoeuvre to perform their functions.

In case the Corps are scientifically posted and are in positions to avail of advantage in Time and Numbers, those adverse vital points whose occupation may be effected by superior force, always will be the objectives of the movements of the latter.

Hence, the following: