_The Director_: “That is exactly the point that I wanted to bring out.
There is no necessity for wearing men out on flank patrol duty beating
their way over rough country and climbing fences, when they accomplish
no useful purpose. Never send out a flank patrol unless there is some
sound tactical reason for it. Then when the time comes and there is
necessity for patrols, your men will be found ready to put forth
superhuman efforts, if need be, to help you accomplish your mission. If
you are in contact with the enemy, or there is immediate danger of such
contact, flank patrols may be necessary and a commander should not
hesitate to send them out. On the solution of these small tactical
problems, that confront a commander in actual service, will determine
your success or failure as a leader. You must ever keep in mind that it
is a combination of these small tactical situations that go to make up
the big military operations on which the fate of a nation may depend.”