The Art of War

1
The Art of War
Lesson 1
2
Objectives

• Understand
• Historical context
• Basic theories
• Approach to warfare
• Influence

3
The Art of War

• Sun Tzus context
• Warring States Era
• Key ideas?
• Principles
• Checklist
• Template

4
War

• A conflict of several conditions
• Moral influence
• Weather
• Terrain
• Command
• Doctrine

5
Issues for Consideration

• Key ideas
• Relationship between
• War and politics
• Political and military objectives

• Bloodless battles
• Sun Tzu today

6
Key ideas

• Deception
• The indirect approach
• Flowing water
• Adaptability
• Flexibility
• Coordinated maneuver

• Ultimate goal?
• When to fight?
• War and politics?
• What to attack?

7
What to attack?

• The goals of strategy
• The enemys strategy
• His alliances
• His army
• His cities

8
Key ideas

• How was war to be waged?
• Primary target?
• Center of gravity
• What is needed for victory?

9
Key ideas

• Essentials for victory
• Politics
• Weather
• Terrain
• Commander
• Doctrine

10
Questions?

• Can a democracy conduct STs style of war?
• Patience?
• Pre-hostilities?
• After 9/11/01?

11
Questions?

• Can open societies execute clever stratagems?
  With
• Complex military organizations?
• A free media?
• Conflicting political institutions?

12
Questions?

• What happens when a nation confronts STs style
  of war?

13
Questions?

• Is MCDP-1 influenced by ST?

14
Questions?

• How does Sun Tzus concept of warfare compare to
  western warfare?

15
Summary

• A broad perspective
• Context
• Key ideas
• Centers of gravity

16
Points to remember Lesson 1

• Sun Tzus context
• .
• Harmony with USMC philosophy
• .
• Acme of skill
• .

• Main object of war
• .
• Good generalship
• .
• Use of intelligence
• .