The leader, all else being equal, who has the
wit to out-manoeuver the other will win the engagement.
As a rule, an affirmative form of expression is used. Such an order as:
"The supply train will not accompany the division," is defective,
because the gist of the order depends upon the single word "not."
Write your order so it can be read. Don't go about it as though you were
a doctor writing a prescription. Things will go wrong if you do. You
will find some of your troops moving in the wrong direction when you
need them badly.
Be brief. Short sentences are good. They are clear. Conjectures,
expectations, and reasons for measures adopted are weak. They do not
inspire confidence. They should be avoided.
Accept the entire responsibility of your command. If things go wrong,
it's your fault. Correct them. A large number of military men make it
their particular business to find faults in others, with scarcely a
thought for their own. Don't join this club. Reverse the matter.
Avoid such expressions as "attempt to capture," "try to hold," "as far
as possible," "as well as you can," etc.
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