Quote:
Originally Posted by Ironduke
I agree with the Colonel... The Art of War reads like a field manual. I don't recall anything in the work about asymmetrical warfare (which wouldn't be of use nowadays anyhow), but the general principles are of lasting value. I have a copy on my bookshelf, I think I'll have to give it another read soon (it's rather short).
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Ironduke,
Your Ferrous Excellency,
I thought that "The Art of War" dripped with references to asymmetrical offsets.
For instance (Griffith translation):
a. 1:25-26
"When he is united, divide him"
"Attack when he is unprepared; sally out when he does not expect you"
b. 6:4-5
"When the enemy is at ease, be able to weary him; when well fed, to starve him; when at rest, make him move."
Appear at places to which he must hasten; move swiftly where he does not expect you".
This, of course, assumes that the definition of assymetry is to create strategic effect by avoiding the other fellow when/where/how he is unambiguously at advantage while creating and/or otherwise exploiting vulnerabilities.
The above quotes may be applied at the tactical, regional or strategic level but application at any level has to have an attack on the enemies strategic thinking as its primary goal.
Regards,
William