06.035 Therefore, an army does not have constant force...

[sonshi]

Therefore, an army does not have constant force, or have constant formation. Those who are able to adapt and change in accord with the enemy and achieve victory are called divine.

Yeah, I agree.

This gets back to what I suggested in other posts about the supremacy of formlessness.

One of the key reasons why US Navy SEALS are such formidable warriors, is that they take full advantage of the fact that 7/10 of the earths' surface is covered by water.

This makes them nearly as divine as one can ever hope to be.

The SEAL's melt away into the water before their adversaries know that they were even in the vicinity.

-BingFa

Originally posted by sonshi
Therefore, an army does not have constant force, or have constant formation. Those who are able to adapt and change in accord with the enemy and achieve victory are called divine.

The best team who survives and wins are those can adapt to the changing situation (via foreknowledge, proper preparation and the will to win) .

This factor is one great distinction between amateurs and professionals.

[gonzo]

Being flexable is the key. Change into what you need to be in order to combat your opponent.

Gonzo

Sun Tzu said, "Therefore, an army does not have constant force, or have constant formation. Those who are able to adapt and change in accord with the enemy and achieve victory are called divine."

The general creates a phantom army that can take on any form that it needs to achieve victory. The key ingredients are the secrecy that the general maintains and the pliability of his army.

[HALBLEU]

The Supreme Strategist leads armies (squad-sized) which can adopt to whatever the enemy does. The constant is that the force can transform to any formation and that the quanitity of force wll change.

As I am reading other comments, the example that fits the above quote are special operations forces like Navy Seals, Delta Forces and SAS,.

Originally posted by sonshi
Therefore, an army does not have constant force, or have constant formation. Those who are able to adapt and change in accord with the enemy and achieve victory are called divine.

This could also be true of the regular working stiff..not just the navy seals and such. With the incredible amount of change that is occuring at present in our marketplaces.

The increasng role that technology is forcing us to come to terms with. The effects of globilization on micro economies. The restructuring of political units or governments.

One advantage the Navy seals have on the average worker is that they do have water to "melt" into. The average citizen may be in sort of a desert. Workers are forced to fight in the open without the benefit of shelter of water.

At least I can see it for what it is and live to fight another day. Today I am forced to face the reality of a changing work enviroment. How will I excell in this enviroment.

pawn11

[MonteChristo]

The army and business, which behave in the similar way regardless circumstances can not be invincible. They will become predictable and proper strategic answer will be found and applied.

To remain unpredictable you have to modify the way you act. Constantly change yourself.

[Truthseeker]

Originally posted by sonshi
Therefore, an army does not have constant force, or have constant formation. Those who are able to adapt and change in accord with the enemy and achieve victory are called divine.

We must keep in mind the likelihood that our opponent has some knowledge of our approach. Therefore a constant offensive engagement without regard for the enemy's position, plan or mind-set has a significant chance for a perilous outcome. Our predictable actions will leave openings for our opponent to plan and act against those actions. Whereas focusing one's attention on the actions of our opponent can give us cues as to how to attack him for the best opportunity to gain the upper hand. In the midst of battle we must have a constant awareness of our enemy's situation so we will know how to adapt to that particular circumstance for the best chance of success.

[Bushranger]

Therefore, an army does not have constant force, or have constant formation. Those who are able to adapt and change in accord with the enemy and achieve victory are called divine.

The Dog God ...

Guided by the tao of water, the Sage General realises that all is flux. It follows that varying degrees of motion, shape and space will be required in the army's formation.

One size does not fit all, the landscape is ultimately captured by adapting to it. Such adaption is directed at the perquisites of ultimate victory.

When this victory is achieved, it is a mystery how it came that the landscape was so to the general's advantage. Being a mystery, he is as though a god.

[dej2]

Therefore, an army does not have constant force, or have constant formation. Those who are able to adapt and change in accord with the enemy and achieve victory are called divine.

Again flexibility is the key to victory, a passage from “T’ung-tien” King of Wu asked Sun Wu: “The enemy is courageous and unafraid, arrogant and reckless. His soldiers are numerous and strong. What should we do?”
Sun Wu said: “Speak and act submissively in order to accord with their intentions. Don not cause them to comprehend the situation, and thereby increase their indolence. In action with the enemy’s shifts and changes, submerge our forces in ambush to await the moment. Then do not look at their forward motion, nor look back to their rearward movement, but strike them in the middle. Even though they are numerous they can be taken. The Tao for attacking the arrogant is to not engage their advance front.”

[Vesting]

Originally posted by sonshi
Therefore, an army does not have constant force, or have constant formation. Those who are able to adapt and change in accord with the enemy and achieve victory are called divine.

As change is inevitable any way, your manner of accomplishing things needs to change constantly to overcome the likelyhood of becoming too predictable and therefore more vulnerable. Even contingencies should be planned.

Those who are able to adapt to the changing circumstances quickly and succesfully, tend to be regarded by the lay people as being genius or devine ones. Instead, it is insight and foreknowledge which truely matters.

Having a devine aura of being an invincible commander is a strategic advantage in itself, as it usually invokes even more fear in the enemy's mind. It may help to reach your cause, unless you happen to believe it yourself too -- as such as silly state of overconfidence makes you feel 'superiour', instead of really being it.

[Saro]

Because no two circumstances are the same, a good strategist will never respond to separate situations in the same way. He'll tailor his response to the situation as it requires, producing a unique solution to a unique situation.

[Bubishi]

Originally posted by sonshi
Therefore, an army does not have constant force, or have constant formation. Those who are able to adapt and change in accord with the enemy and achieve victory are called divine.

This quote repeats is self yet again. It says that nothing is consistant. Consistancy is form, therefore one is to avoid form. Things are constantly changing so your viewpoint should never be fixed, it must be free and ever changing. The change is relative to the enemy.


A true military never stops learning. They are continually examining, they do not take anything for granted.
Their viewpoints are wide and are constantly looking for the bigger picture. They examine everything close to make sure that they are not mistakes. They also rid themselves of any incorrect data.

As a result they seem to flow, constantly change and so they orient themselves with the natural order of things.

[Bubishi]

Originally posted by sonshi
Therefore, an army does not have constant force, or have constant formation. Those who are able to adapt and change in accord with the enemy and achieve victory are called divine.

I accidently double posted and I couldn't delete it so I guess I will add another POV.

This passge is a reminder that this book is about wisdom that lasts forever. It does not specify the exact root to take.

It just paints a picture of the essencials for conflict. You can not and should not copy the picture for it is not truely yours.

Once you have completed a picture you should not copy the painting for its message has been given, Words can be retracted but they are more often permanent. As such your picture is a masterpiece for all to view, it no longer belongs to you because it is now a part of all that has seen it.

Accordingly, each battle that you prepare for should be an entirely new masterpiece. This picture must involve new perspectives, ideas, ideas and strategies.

This way one does not become trapped in his experiences.