PRIME STRATEGETIC PROPOSITION
SECTION ONE
(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.