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.