]

[Footnote 5: Clausewitz, 'Im Krieg ist aller Einfach, aber,
das Einfache ist schwer.']

The prescribed orders must not place a strain on the memory of the
Leader or troops, and must operate practically mechanically. Even the
most far-reaching movements should never require either detailed
instructions or commands.

The application of the word of command should be limited to those
units which it can actually control--namely, the squadron.

The use of bugle-calls must be restricted to the utmost, and only be
permitted in circumstances where no possibility of misunderstanding
can arise--a danger not easily excluded where large bodies are acting
together.

Even the use of signs can only be relied on in a limited degree. In
dust and closed country of course they cannot be seen.

On the other hand, all movements depending on verbally transmitted
commands must be executed without loss of the spirit of uniformity.

In practice this is the only form for the communication of orders
which can be depended on to act with any degree of certainty under all
circumstances.

The Regulations must insure the possibility that, no matter under what
conditions, the unit can be formed without many words or commands into
the most diverse fighting formations in any required direction, either
from column of route, rendezvous formation, or even from the melee.
Fundamental principles of action against the different Arms must be
laid down so definitely that complicated orders in each particular
case will not be required.

The rapid change from one fighting form to another must be absolutely
guaranteed, and equally so the possibility for each unit to assume
that formation in depth called for by the circumstances of the combat,
without recourse to complicated orders and movements.[6]

[Footnote 6: The Regimental Commander, therefore, requires
his Adjutant and an Orderly Officer, so as to be able to
transmit simultaneously his order to both wings of his
regiment.]

If these requirements are to be fulfilled, then only such elementary
movements must be prescribed and regulated as can be executed under
all circumstances, as laid down in the Regulations.

These matters being settled, then tactical regulations should lay down
no fixed evolutions, but should confine themselves essentially to
forms and principles of action, which should be treated with the
utmost clearness and precision.