How To Gain Strategic Advantage
As part of an effective strategy, the general must be able to create strategic advantage to secure victory
. Thus I say that victory can be created. For even if the enemy has a large force, I can prevent him from engaging me.
--The Art of War
Victory in war is not dependant on having a large force alone. What is equally important as numbers is the training of the people involved and the appropriate use of strategy.
For example, if you can conceal your strategy but you know the opponents strategy, then they will never know where, when or how you are going to attack. They will have to defend everywhere, resulting in a scattering of his forces which favors the attacking force. As the saying goes, "divide and conquer." The attacking force can achieve relative supremacy at the point of contact by concentrating the brunt of his forces on the enemy's few.
Those who excel in warfare, even when the enemy's forces are strong and numerous, can force them to divide and separate, unable to rescue each other, and suffer enemy attacks without mutually knowing about it.
--Military Methods
There are many other ways a smaller force can prevent a larger force from overtaking them. The following are some examples of how to avoid a direct confrontation with a force that is larger than your own.
A. Keep a low profile.
If you keep a low profile, you will not attract as much animosity from the enemy. This can be achieved through humility and feigned vulnerability.
In the beginning, be as shy as a young maiden to entice the enemy to lower his defenses.
--The Art of War
B. Attacking the enemy through their strength.
In order to attack the strong you must nurture them to make them even stronger, and increase them to make them even more extensive. What is too strong will certainly break; what is too extended must have deficiencies. Attack the strong through his strength.
--The Six Secret Teachings
C. Seizing something that is of great value to the enemy.
Exploit the advantages conferred by the tactical balance of power. Increase the enemy's excesses, seize what he loves. Then we, acting from without, can cause a response from within.
-Sima Fa
If someone asks: "What should I do when faced with a large and well-organized enemy troop about to invade my territory?" My reply is, "Seize what he loves, and he will conform to your desires."
--The Art of War
In warfare, this could include things like kidnapping high commanders or stealing battle plans. Or as the high school football coach used to say, "Sack the Quarterback."
Seizing something of value to the enemy allows you to gain strategic advantage. The advantage gained should be sustained throughout the battle or at least buy some time for the smaller force to devise a better battle plan.
Strategic advantage can also be brought to bear when the enemy leaves gaps in their defenses. For example, if he chooses not to defend a particular area, then that area can easily be taken.
When those who excel at warfare discern an enemy's strength, they know where he has a shortcoming. When they discern an enemy's insufficiency, they know where he has a surplus. They perceive victory as easily as seeing the sun and the moon. Their measures for victory are like using water to conquer fire.
--Military Methods
In addition to capitalizing on situations for victory, the capable general also ensures he has a strong defense. Therefore, those adept in warfare ensure that he is in a position of non-defeat, while never missing the opportunity to defeat the enemy.
--The Art of War
In order to ensure victory and achieve a situation of non-defeat, one must create and find strategic advantage. This requires the use of both offensive and defensive strategies. And even when a seemingly effective strategy is adopted, there is still a need to try and maintain and strengthen your strategic advantage.
If an advantageous strategy is already adopted, there is still a need to create advantageous situations so as to support its accomplishment. By "situations,' I mean one must change according to the circumstances so as to obtain advantages.
--The Art of War
by: Jonathan Semenick
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