1st. A very great physical endurance to render possible a great activity. The General commanding a Division must actually see with his own eyes every detail of the enemy’s positions. He must acquaint himself with the nature of the ground occupied by his adversary as well as with the strength of the latter’s defences. Such inspections will often take him to the trenches, where his presence will keep up the spirits of his men better than any exhortation written at a distance.
2d. The Chief must take in the situation at a glance. He must be composed, and a man of prompt decision. Only on a thorough knowledge of all the facts will he base his final dispositions for a fight. We are of opinion that, especially in the present war, when a decision has been taken or an order given, it is always advisable not to modify these except in details of execution which cannot interfere with the operation as a whole.
3d. During the battle, the Division General should establish his post of command at a spot whence he may, if possible, see the ground where his troops are engaged. He should, in any case, be where he can keep in touch as long as possible with the generals or colonels of the infantry under his command, and with his artillery and his information section.
4th. The Chief of any unit in war time is responsible for the physical and moral condition of his troops. He will keep their spirit at a high level if he proves to be as strict with himself as with his subordinates. In all circumstances, he should treat them with justice and kindness, but should be pitiless to bad soldiers.
He should by frequent personal inspections make sure that his troops have good food, shoes, and clothing, and that their small arms and artillery are perfectly kept, whatever the weather may be.
Some commanders of infantry Divisions, during the present war, have neglected to take as good care of their artillery as of their infantry. This is a mistake to be avoided. There are no more infantry Divisions. Our Divisions are composed of all arms, each having a special utility, and all must, without any discrimination, receive the care and supervision of their Chief.
The Staffs. The unit commanders need the assistance of officers thoroughly imbued with their thoughts, able to express and transmit them faithfully.
Chief of Staff. In every unit we have a general or superior officer, called “Chief of Staff.” In a Division taken as a unit, this officer is entrusted with the direction of all the divisional services and the services at headquarters. He is responsible to his commander for the perfect working of all these services, and also for the wording and prompt transmission of all orders.
While the task of inspecting the troops (especially the fighting troops) rests with the General, the Chief of Staff should more particularly inspect the non-combatant services and personnel, namely, the Health, Supply, Treasury, and Post Office Departments.
Staff-Officers. It would be a great mistake to divide the staff-officers otherwise than into two very distinct classes: