Some lessons from the Tet Offensive

[cmdr_zoom]

(inspired by some random wiki surfing)

Do not make your battle plans based on whether you think an enemy attack could possibly succeed. Instead, consider whether he might think he can succeed, and whether his political masters (who are probably just as reality-impaired as your own) might order an attack anyway.

Also, never assume that the enemy will be courteous enough to attack in the place and manner most convenient to you. The more effort that you go to in preparing a strongpoint for him to assault, the less likely it is that he will oblige you by doing so. (This is also the lesson of the Maginot Line.)

Comments

[gwyd.livejournal.com]

I really wish there was some way to bash this through the heads of genenerals.

[z-gryphon.livejournal.com]

"Never get involved in a land war in Asia."

[cmdr-zoom.livejournal.com]

That too. (Though that's really more along the lines of your basic, universal axioms.)