Weak Points, Maneuvering, and Tactics

In this first section "Weak Points and Strong" Tzu make several points which are consistent with the 9 Principles of War today. He focuses much attention on the principle of surprise. Tzu states that a "general is skillful in attack whose opponent does not know what to defend; and he is skillful in defense whose opponent does not know what to attack." This is essentially identical to the modern-day principle of surprise which is to strike the enemy at a time, at a place, or in a manner for which he is unprepared.

The next section, "Maneuvering", focuses on the principle of maneuvering. In the principles of warfare this is described as placing the enemy in a position of disadvantage through the flexible application of combat power. Tzu describes this same definition, but then goes further by saying that in order to maneuver successfully an army must be disciplined enough to follow even when they cannot hear and the commander must have knowledge of the particular circumstances.

In "Variations in Tactics" Tzu focuses on the leader. He states that a leader must be careful of avoiding recklessness, cowardice, a hasty temper, a delicacy of honor, and over-solicitude. Falling victim to any one of these sins may cause an army to lose a war. I think this is why the Army created the Be, Know, Do Model. What a leader is and what a leader does is essential for securing victory.