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4. The General
  
  Article 27- Weaknesses of a General  
27.1 Weaknesses of a General  
  In the prosecution of war, there can be no error. Therefore, the weaknesses of a general can themselves manifest disaster and defeat. The political leadership must therefore be vigilant for signs of these weaknesses and remove any generals who show these characteristics:

  
  The “great man”  
  A general who projects himself as a great man and famous warrior should never be given command in battle. For such arrogance and potential recklessness do they possess that their decisions shall be based on their ego and not on conditions for war.
  
  The “kind man”  
  A general who projects himself as a kind man of his soldiers should never be given command in battle. For nothing is kind in warfare as men and women are killed. Therefore such emotions cloud both the judgment of the general command and his troops.
 
  The “angry man”  
  A general who projects himself as quick tempered and intolerant should never be given command in battle. For in the tactics of battle, an enemy knowing the traits of such a general can quickly insult him into impulsive and emotive decisions in the command of his troops. It is under such generals that ambushes and unexpected defeats transpire.
  
  The “counseled man”  
  A general who projects himself as being constantly counseled should never be given command in battle. For in the haste and fog of battle, it is to the general that quick and decisive leadership is given. It is under such generals that key enemy leaders and opportunities are lost.
  
  The “careful” man  
  A general who projects himself as being very careful should never be given command in battle. While the unnecessary loss of soldiers should be avoided, the nature of war is loss and gain. History teaches us that perversely it is under such generals that the greatest losses and defeats occur.
  
 
 
     
 
 
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